Trump’s Military Parade Funded by Tech Giants
This weekend, President Trump is set to hold a military parade that’s anticipated to be quite the expensive affair, with several big tech companies covering the costs.
Recently, Oracle, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, Coinbase, and Amazon contributed to America250, a nonprofit focused on promoting the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
According to a press release from America250, “Many of these sponsors will be supporting the upcoming Grand Military Parade in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 14th, celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.”
Oracle has confirmed its sponsorship for the parade, while Lockheed Martin described the event as “a critical opportunity.” Companies like Exiger, which specializes in AI-driven supply chain management, have also voiced their support. Interestingly, Palantir, Coinbase, and Amazon have yet to respond to requests for comments.
The nonprofit has listed other sponsors on its site, including notable names like Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch, among others.
This parade is a significant milestone, commemorating 250 years since the founding of the Continental Army to combat British forces. However, it’s drawing criticism for resembling a celebration of Trump’s own 79th birthday, coinciding with the event.
Expectations are high for a spectacle that includes flyovers, fireworks, tanks, and military bands, with the total cost estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
It seems several sponsors for America250 are pulling back from their association with this parade, directing their focus to next year’s celebrations of U.S. independence. FedEx has confirmed participation in future events but notably does not support this weekend’s parade.
Walmart has been generous, donating $500,000 to America250, yet makes it clear that this funding does not aid the parade itself. A representative mentioned, “The funding will support the US Army Museum’s revolutionary war display and celebrations, honoring young people who have signed up to serve the Navy and Marines.” They added, “We are not sponsoring the Army parade, but we provide water to our participants.”
In May, Meta was listed as a sponsor in a press release, but the company had stated in 2022 that it had severed its ties with America250. A Meta spokesperson mentioned, “We are not currently sponsors, but we have a historic relationship with America250 and are actively investigating potential partnership opportunities with them in the future.”
This shift follows allegations made by four female employees of the nonprofit in 2022, claiming “cronyism, self-dealing, fraudulent management of funds, potentially illegal contract practices, and wasteful spending,” alongside reports of a toxic work environment. One plaintiff expressed worries about potential illegal practices, outlining a $10 million contribution from Meta in exchange for mapping national parks with drones for “unique business purposes.”
According to court documents, one of the plaintiffs reached a settlement with America250 in 2024.
The nonprofit has not commented on the recent inquiries.
A Meta spokesman declined to address the lawsuit claims and refrained from verifying any donations made to the organization prior to the termination of the contract.
America250 was established as a bipartisan initiative by Congress after the enactment of the 2016 US Semi-Centennial Committee Act. It comprises notable figures including Attorney General Pam Bondy and Interior Secretary Doug Burgham, along with various Republican and Democratic senators.
