The US Air Force’s show over the White House on July 4, featuring B-2, F-22, and F-35 aircraft, could cost around $2 million.
Beaming with pride after Congress passed his sweeping tax and spending legislation, President Donald Trump addressed reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday before departing for the Iowa State Fairgrounds to join Independence Day celebrations. The 79-year-old revealed that he will sign the “Big Beautiful Bill” into law on July 4 — and to mark the occasion, U.S. military aircraft will roar above the White House.
“We’re signing at about 5 o’clock,” Trump told the press. “And at about 5 o’clock, we’re going to have B-2s, F-22s, and F-35s flying right over the White House.”
How Much Will the Flyover Cost?
Though Trump didn’t specify the number of jets involved, military flight costs offer some insight. Based on U.S. Air Force data:
- B-2 Spirit: ~$150,741 per flight hour
- F-22 Raptor: ~$85,325 per flight hour
- F-35A Lightning II: ~$42,000 per flight hour
Assuming a 4-hour round trip for two B-2s from Missouri and a 2-hour round trip for three F-22s and three F-35s from nearby bases in Virginia or Maryland, the total estimated cost for the flyover would be around $2 million.
The precise cost will depend on the actual number of aircraft deployed, which has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Trump’s Legislative Win
The House passed the Big Beautiful Bill in a narrow 218–214 vote, sending it to Trump’s desk for final approval. All Democrats opposed the bill, and two Republicans broke ranks to vote against it. Despite the tight margin and vocal bipartisan resistance, the GOP managed to push through the president’s signature package — which includes major tax cuts, increased military and border spending, and significant reductions in social safety net programs.
Trump is expected to sign the bill in the Oval Office at 5 p.m. ET on July 4, with the military flyover set to coincide with the moment he puts pen to paper.
