Washington, June 13 (AP) — Eight years after being captivated by the grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, former President Donald Trump is poised to attempt an even more spectacular showcase this Saturday. His long-anticipated vision is set to become reality with a display of American military prowess featuring tanks and armored vehicles rolling through Washington, thousands of soldiers in formation, and military aircraft soaring overhead. An elite parachute team will cap the event by descending near the White House to present Trump with an American flag.
“I think it’s going to be great,” Trump declared this week. “We’re going to celebrate our country for a change.” As a real estate magnate and former reality TV personality, Trump sees this as an opportunity to play to his strengths as a showman. However, the display also coincides with his increasing use of executive power, such as deploying thousands of National Guard troops in response to protests against his immigration policies in Los Angeles.
In his first term, concerns over the cost thwarted Trump’s desire for a military parade. This time, he is pushing forward, much like the tanks that will glide down Constitution Avenue, dismissing concerns about expense, messaging, and the fact that the parade falls on his 79th birthday.
Weather remains one unpredictable element; thunderstorms might halt the parade. Yet, the White House has expressed willingness to proceed regardless of rain, with delays only possible due to lightning. Trump expressed nonchalance about potential weather issues: “Doesn’t matter,” he remarked. “Doesn’t affect the tanks at all.”
Originally envisioned as a July 4th celebration, the parade has been adapted to align with the commemoration of the US Army’s 250th anniversary, Flag Day, and Trump’s birthday. According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, the event is meant to honor military personnel, past and present.
Although precise planning details remain undisclosed, press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump has been heavily involved in the arrangements, offering input on various elements. Private donations from companies such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon are defraying some expenses, yet taxpayer contributions are projected between $25 million to $45 million.
Some Congressional members have criticized the parade’s hefty price tag while cuts are proposed elsewhere in government spending. Nonetheless, defense officials and the White House argue that the expenditure is justified as it pays tribute to military personnel and fosters patriotism.
Military parades in the US are rare outside wartime, leading some critics to compare this planned pageant to displays in North Korea. Trump’s inspiration, however, is drawn from the impressive 2017 Bastille Day parade in France which he praised as one of the greatest he had witnessed.
Scheduled on his birthday, Trump acknowledges taking some criticism but insists the celebration focuses on the Army and Flag Day. Nonetheless, his influence is undeniable in the event's execution.
Trump has specifically requested military hardware for display, planning to watch from a special reviewing stand. The celebration will culminate in a nationally televised address, followed by fireworks and a performance by Lee Greenwood, one of Trump’s favorite musical acts.
Despite overcoming logistical and financial hurdles, the parade is expected to face some protest. With a forecasted crowd of up to 200,000, the Secret Service has implemented extensive security measures. Anti-parade organizers, citing Trump’s authoritarian leanings, are staging demonstrations, but their primary event will be in Philadelphia, not Washington. Addressing accusations of regal pretensions, Trump quipped, “I don't feel like a king; I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.” (AP)
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