President Trump’s large and expensive military parade, which was meant to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and his own birthday, is not getting much support from Republicans in Congress.
A recent survey from Politico shows that of fifty Republican lawmakers, only a few of them plan to go to the event in Washington D.C., which will cost millions of USD. Most of those asked said they would be somewhere else this weekend.
This low attendance includes several well-known Republicans. Important leaders from both the House and Senate will not be there. Even the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, who would usually go to an event like this, will instead be at an air show in Paris. This shows how little excitement there is among Republicans for the parade.
Some Republican lawmakers gave reasons for not going. Some said they already had other plans, like family events or campaign activities. Others just said they would be out of Washington for the weekend, which is normal for members of Congress.
Trump doesn’t have much support for his parade
The high cost of the parade has also led to criticism. Estimates say it will cost between $25 million and $40 million, which has worried some Republicans. One lawmaker said they were concerned about the expense, especially if the final cost ends up being higher than expected. The exact cost is unclear partly because the heavy military vehicles could damage the streets, adding to the uncertainty.
Democrats have strongly criticized the parade for being too expensive and for focusing more on a show than on the needs of military members and their families. One Democratic representative called the event a waste of taxpayer money and said it shows how out of touch the Trump administration is with everyday Americans. The parade will also shut down some transportation, including an airport, which will cause problems for many people. This Democrat compared the event to past displays of presidential excess, saying it was mostly about boosting Trump’s ego.
The White House, however, has tried to downplay the lack of Republican support. Officials have pointed out that top military leaders and many Cabinet members will still attend, calling the event a big success even if many in Congress are not there. The White House released a statement highlighting the historical importance of the parade and saying it is meant to honor the U.S. military.
Even though the White House is optimistic, protests are being planned in several cities, not just Washington D.C. President Trump has warned anyone who might protest at the event, saying there will be strong security and a harsh response to any trouble. This has led to more criticism from his opponents, who say it is authoritarian.
The parade is planned to be a major display, with around 6,600 troops, 25 M1 Abrams tanks, and 150 other military vehicles. There will also be a flyover with different kinds of aircraft, including old and new warplanes and helicopters. Soldiers will wear uniforms from every major war in U.S. history.
