The Pentagon has reportedly begun planning a military parade at the request of President Trump.
Trump repeatedly has expressed an interest in holding a display of America’s military might and upped his calls for a parade after witnessing the Bastille Day celebrations on a trip to France last summer.
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that at a recent meeting between Trump and top military officials, Trump’s wishes were “suddenly heard as a presidential directive.”
“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” one military official told The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity. “This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.”
A White House official told the Post that the planning was still in the “brainstorming” stages, and that there is “no meat on the bones” as of yet.
White House chief of staff John Kelly is reportedly involved in the planning of the parade. Pentagon officials are pushing for the parade to be tied to Veterans Day, rather than Independence Day or Memorial Day, because it would appear to be less tied to Trump.
Officials told the Post that they do not yet know how they will cover the cost of the parade, which could reach millions of dollars.
Trump reportedly wanted to include tanks and missile launchers in his Inauguration Day parade. An inauguration team source said at the time that the team was “legit thinking Red Square/North Korea-style parade.”
Military officials were reluctant about the inauguration team’s desires, and the team ultimately decided not to move forward.
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Trump ordered Pentagon to plan massive military parade for him: report https://t.co/vP41Gqlufx pic.twitter.com/m4tCnk2vv9
— The Hill (@thehill) February 7, 2018
Exclusive: At Trump’s direction, Pentagon is planning large-scale military parade inspired by France's Bastille Day celebration https://t.co/odLVTjNskj
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 6, 2018
NBC News confirms the Pentagon is looking at possible dates for Trump's desire to have a military parade, possibly Veterans Day https://t.co/oRgy1o6dOy
— Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) February 6, 2018
Kim Jong Don has wanted the missile parade for some time now. Cc: @svdate. https://t.co/shjnpCJUZC
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) February 7, 2018
I think Donald Trump needs his own special commander-in-chief uniform, don't you? Something with some fancy epaulets, several yards of ribbons, and a bejeweled medal at his throat the size of a saucer. Also, a sassy little beret. Definitely jodhpurs, boots and a swagger stick.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) February 7, 2018
We’re teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis, another government shutdown, multiple foreign policy threats, and the President’s big idea is to have a parade.
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 6, 2018
Trump also wanted tanks in his inaugural procession – which a spox vehemently denied, only to have @jessicaschulb #FOIA the Pentagon emails that proved it.https://t.co/5GsOKd1p9m pic.twitter.com/Fi6qIf9e7R
— Jesse Lehrich (@JesseLehrich) February 6, 2018
Parade, shmarade. I want gladiatorial games. Jeff Flake can throw his sword at the rotunda: “Are you not entertained!?”
— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) February 6, 2018
Trump wants a Soviet-style military parade, something weak leaders do to try to look strong. https://t.co/HmL7TVGDnV
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) February 6, 2018
How much is this ego stroking going to cost us taxpayers?
If Trump wants to honor our military, how about doing something that actually benefits the military — like increasing funding for training and equipment or maybe fixing the VA?
Because he really isn’t doing this for the military. It’s all for him. “I’m an insecure balding man with short hands but look at all the war toys I have! All this power at my command!” He has gotten right down to Kim’s level and now wants a playground fight over whose dad can beat up your dad.
Trump requires constant adulation. When his ego feels particularly sad he plans a rally or now a parade that will cost the taxpayers millions.
Of course,this parade has nothing to do with the military and everything to do with pleasing Trump’s inner child. If it was his money paying for this spectacle, I might not mind so much. But it’s our money and I would rather see it put to more practical use to strengthen our military and give the members something they can use or badly need.
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