WASHINGTON – Pentagon has reportedly started planning for a military parade in Washington later this year after President Donald Trump asked it to “explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation”.
Trump has long expressed willingness to organise a parade to showcase the might of America’s armed forces. The president reportedly made this request to Department of Defence in late January after witnessing a French Bastille Day parade last summer.
The Washington Post first revealed the plan on Tuesday stating that Trump and during a recent meeting with top military officials in Pentagon expressed his wishes, which were taken as a “presidential directive.”
Later, White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders confirmed the event, which usually stages in nation’s capital to mark a victor at the end of a war.
Sanders said, “President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members 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,” she added.
A defence official told Post, “We are aware of the request and are in the process of determining specific details. We will share more information throughout the planning process”. However, a White House official said that the planning was still in the “brainstorming” stages.
It is said that Pentagon officials are trying to hold the military showcase on Veterans Day instead of Independence Day or Memorial Day.
The cost of the parade is being estimated at millions of dollars as Trump reportedly wanted to include tanks and missile launchers in his Inauguration Day parade.
On the other hand, Democratic politicians have slammed the idea, stating that such showcase of military is organized by autocratic nations.
“What an absurd waste of money!” tweeted Representative Jim McGovern. “Trump acts more like dictator than president. Americans deserve better.”
Representative Jackie Speier, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told CNN: “I was stunned by it, to be quite honest… we have a Napoleon in the making here.”
“It’s really a waste of money, and I think everyone should be offended by his need to always be showy… it’s not our style, it’s not the way we do business.”
