President Trump was reportedly so inspired by France's Bastille Day parade during his visit last year that he wants to conduct a similar event highlighting American military might in Washington, D.C. Trump has asked the Pentagon to consider the idea and they are currently reviewing potential dates.
"President Trump is incredibly supportive of America's great servicemembers who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
Not everyone is as eager as the White House.
Former Obama Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes sees it as a pointless charade.
It's interesting hearing people who love to talk about American exceptionalism defend a pointless military parade by saying that other countries do it.
— Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) February 7, 2018
The Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin shared her own reservations, suggesting Trump wants to become a dictator.
And in case he's wondering, no he cannot have a military uniform, no he cannot walk around with a sword, no it is not "his" military, and yes, there are a zillion better things the Pentagon should be doing rather than planning a parade for a wanna-be tin pot autocrat
— Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) February 7, 2018
Some lawmakers opposed to the parade say it is just too expensive, as sending tanks and military hardware to Washington could cost millions.
Dear @POTUS: If you want to honor our troops, here are things more useful than an expensive #militaryparade:
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) February 7, 2018
-Have a coherent N Korea strategy
-Nominate US Amb to S Korea
-Have a coherent Afghanistan strategy (we've been in 16 years)
-Have a coherent Syria strategy
-Deter Russia https://t.co/iXpOE4hKrT
The worst take yet? Those who are comparing Trump's potential military parade with the Tiananmen Square standoff.
This is a picture of Communist China’s Tiananmen Square. Do you know the difference between a military parade and a military assault on your own people? Please tell me you know the difference between a military parade and a military assault on your own people. https://t.co/wnwHe32AQB
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) February 7, 2018
Right now, rumor has it that the Pentagon is looking to conduct the U.S. military parade on Veterans Day.