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Fact check: Did the Biden administration approve a parade for the Army’s 250th birthday

Checked on June 16, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, the Biden administration did not approve the final parade for the Army's 250th birthday celebration. The evidence shows a clear timeline where the initial permit was filed during Biden's presidency, but the actual parade approval and expansion occurred under the Trump administration.

The key findings indicate that:

  • The Army initially filed a permit for a smaller-scale event during the Biden presidency [1]
  • After Trump won the election and took office, the plans grew dramatically into a larger celebration [1]
  • The Trump administration was responsible for the final approval and expansion of the parade [1]
  • Multiple sources discussing the actual celebration do not mention Biden administration involvement in approving the parade [2] [3] [4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements:

  • Timeline distinction: The question doesn't differentiate between initial planning versus final approval. While preliminary permits may have been filed under Biden, the substantial parade that actually occurred was approved and expanded under Trump [1]
  • Scale transformation: The celebration evolved from a modest event to a major military parade, representing a significant change in scope and character between administrations [1]
  • Political symbolism: The timing is notable as the parade coincided with Trump's birthday, suggesting political motivations beyond simple military commemoration [5]
  • Administrative transition effects: The sources reveal how major events can be transformed when they span different presidential administrations, with each bringing different priorities and approaches

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question, while technically neutral, creates potential for misleading conclusions by:

  • Oversimplifying the approval process: By asking only about "approval" without specifying which version of the event or which administration's final decision, it obscures the fact that the Biden and Trump administrations had very different visions for this celebration [1]
  • Omitting the transformation timeline: The question fails to acknowledge that what was ultimately approved and celebrated was substantially different from what was initially proposed [1]
  • Ignoring political context: The framing doesn't account for how the event became intertwined with Trump's political agenda and personal preferences, including the strategic timing with his birthday [5]

The evidence strongly suggests that while initial bureaucratic steps may have occurred under Biden, the parade as it actually happened was a Trump administration initiative, making any claim of Biden administration approval misleading without proper context about the dramatic changes in scope and character.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the history of the US Army's birthday celebrations?
How does the Army typically commemorate its founding anniversary?
Which US presidents have attended Army birthday parades in the past?
What role does the Secretary of the Army play in planning anniversary events?
How does the Army's 250th birthday relate to its current modernization efforts?