Many Republicans Plan to Skip Trump’s Military Parade
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
WASHINGTON—For weeks, President Trump has talked up Saturday’s military parade in the nation’s capital, a spectacle complete with tanks, fireworks and flyovers to celebrate both the Army’s birthday and his own.
He has predicted it will be an “unforgettable celebration, one like you’ve never seen before.” He also said any protesters will “be met with very big force.”
Democrats want no part of the event. But many of Trump’s Republican allies have decided to skip it as well.
Some GOP lawmakers are fretting openly about the cost, which the Pentagon has said could reach $45 million. That estimate includes funding to repair any damage to the District’s roads from tanks in the procession, some of which weigh as much as 70 tons.
“It’s the president’s call, but if it were me, I’d save the money,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R., La.). “I think the United States of America is the most powerful country in all human history. I mean, we’re a lion, and a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion. Everybody knows it’s a lion. So why spend the 40-plus million dollars to tell people that we’re a lion?”
Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.), a spending hawk who has raised cost concerns about Trump’s sweeping tax bill, said he wasn’t going to the parade either, but not because he was worried about the money.
“I don’t like spending on anything, but if you’re going to splurge on something, this is probably not a bad thing,” Johnson said, shrugging. He didn’t say why he couldn’t make it.
Also opting out: Republican leaders from both chambers of Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) is unable to attend, his office said, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) will miss the parade to attend events in his home state, a spokesman said.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump “looks forward to a historic crowd at the Army Birthday Parade,” where he will be joined by top military leaders, administration officials and lawmakers. A White House official said many cabinet members are expected to attend, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins.
Beltway chronicler Politico surveyed 50 GOP lawmakers and found just seven who said they planned to attend, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R., Ga.). “Yes, the Congresswoman was invited by the president and, as a Nationalist, she is honored to attend the parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States Army,” said Alec Ernst, a spokesman for Greene, in a text message.
Other Republican lawmakers said they simply have other places to be that day.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he will be at the Paris Air Show.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R., Ala.), who is running for governor, said he will be back home in his state. “I’m campaigning,” he said. “Remember, I’ve got another job I’m going for.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.) had a personal—rather than professional—excuse.
“It is my anniversary. My 20th anniversary. And I choose marriage,” Mullin said.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) said he isn’t going either. Asked if he had other plans, he said no.
Was he just not a fan of parades? “Oh, I love parades,” he said.
Even without some congressional Republicans by his side, Trump expects to be “celebrating big” on Saturday.
“It’s going to be an amazing day,” Trump, who is turning 79 years old, said earlier this week. “We have tanks, we have planes, we have all sorts of things. And I think it’s going to be great. We’re going to celebrate our country for a change.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas), who is up for re-election next year, said he would be back home in Texas but would probably watch some on television. He said he didn’t have a problem with the cost of the parade.
“One of the things I appreciate about President Trump is he’s helping to restore a sense of pride in our military. And so I don’t have any objection to doing that in the form of a parade,” he said, pointing to a possible boost for recruitment efforts.
A few Republicans on Capitol Hill weren’t even aware the parade was happening, despite Trump bringing it up repeatedly in recent days.
“Oh, wow, that sounds cool,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R., Wyo.), when a reporter described the event.
But then the reporter relayed the estimated cost. “Oh, good heavens,” she said.
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Maybe North Korea will send a general for Donald to salute ...
The administration is predicting "hundreds of thousands" of spectators. Is it too late to get the umbrella concession ?
In this case the spirit of 76 means the percentage probability of rain during the afternoon.
The very epitome of “waste, fraud, and abuse.”