Patriotism in full swing

One of the most spectacular initiatives of Trump’s second term was large-scale military parades and Independence Day celebrations. In June, he staged festivities to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army, which coincided with his 79th birthday. The parade, complete with tanks, air shows, and marching soldiers, took place in downtown Washington and cost between $25 million and $45 million, up to half a million dollars a minute. Earlier events in 2019 and 2020 cost $13 million and $15 million, respectively. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a federal law introduced during Trump’s presidency, $150 million has already been earmarked for the US 250th anniversary celebrations.

Billions for immigration control

In his second term, Trump boosted funding for immigration enforcement, channeling nearly $30 billion through the OBBBA to ICE, the agency responsible for deportations and migrant detention. The funds went toward infrastructure upgrades, transportation, and a hiring spree, with new agents now offered starting salaries of about $90,000 and bonuses of up to $50,000. A separate $2.4 million line item was allocated for ICE’s vehicle fleet, which includes gold vinyl-wrapped SUVs bearing slogans such as “DEFEND THE HOMELAND.”

Black border wall

Trump has also revived his idea of painting the wall along the Mexican border black. This time, the plan has been officially approved and announced by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. According to officials, the black coating is intended to absorb heat from the sun and make crossings more difficult. During his first term, the plan was estimated to cost $500 million for two layers of acrylic paint and up to $3 billion for premium powder coating. With inflation factored in, the final bill for repainting the 9-meter steel structures is set to climb even higher.

Elite air fleet

In his second term, Trump is set to receive an upgraded Air Force One, though with delays. A $3.9 billion agreement with Boeing was signed back in 2018, but delivery of two new planes for the presidential fleet has been pushed to 2027 and is running billions over budget. Separately, Trump announced what he called a “gift” from Qatar: a jet that he claimed cost the US nothing. However, according to The New York Times, the Pentagon diverted $934 million from its nuclear modernization program to a classified expense line, reportedly tied to the aircraft's refitting.

Greatness in bronze

In January, Trump revived an executive order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes, a project conceived during his first presidential term. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the garden is planned to feature 250 life-size statues representing the “greatness of the nation.” The initiative carries a $34 million price tag. However, the project faces two major hurdles: the US lacks enough qualified sculptors to complete the commission on time, and the location for the memorial has yet to be determined.