U.S. President Donald Trump is organizing a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C. this Saturday, to mark Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military.

Coincidentally, the event also falls on Trump’s birthday. While critics have pointed to the timing, Trump has told reporters the parade is “not in my honor” and the overlap is purely coincidental.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the parade will feature 6,600 soldiers, 50 aircraft, and 150 military vehicles.

Despite its patriotic framing, the parade has drawn significant backlash. A WSJ poll found that 6 in 10 Americans believe the event is not an appropriate use of government funds.

One commenter on a WSJ video remarked, “Meanwhile, more than 6,000 veterans lost their jobs across multiple federal agencies after being fired supposedly to save money.”

While the exact cost remains undisclosed, WSJ estimates place the price tag for the U.S. military between $25 million and $45 million, with additional millions expected to be spent on security.

The parade has also sparked a wave of national protests under the banner “No Kings Day,” aimed at what organizers call President Trump’s growing authoritarianism and misuse of public resources.

In response to critics, Trump defended the event, stating simply, “It’s a good way to show off.”