Former Rare Staff
President Donald Trump, the White House has confirmed, is interested in having the military parade through the streets of Washington, D.C., a revelation that has the internet up in arms.
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NPR reported that a U.S. official confirmed that Trump requested that a parade be held to honor the military. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders addressed that Tuesday, saying that it is true.
“President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe.” she said in a statement. “He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.”
In response to Sen. Dick Durbin’s comment that such a parade would be a “fantastic waste of money,” White House legislative director Marc Short tells MSNBC: “I’m not sure honoring the military is a waste of money.”
Short says it’s too early to know how much the parade would cost.
A Pentagon spokesman, Charlie Summers, says Pentagon officials are aware of the request and are “looking at options.”
Others have criticized the parade idea on grounds that it’s the kind of thing Russia, North Korea and China would do.
Trump wants a military parade. Here's how other countries do it https://t.co/9I9B0zBb3j pic.twitter.com/PWNslfQF4H
— CNN (@CNN) February 7, 2018
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The internet response has been negative.
There was already a #TrumpParade in DC. Not very well attended the first time, would be a waste of Pentagon time and resources the second time.
Photo: https://t.co/WYQprKDgNp pic.twitter.com/bFoNKhKKgd— Rep. Rick Larsen (@RepRickLarsen) February 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/waltshaub/status/961244767098167297
Guys, GUYS.
The parade idea is stupid. But imagining yourselves as play-acting out Tienanmen Square on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of US troops is not only stupid, it's the sort of hysterical over-reaction that makes people think Trump isn't so bad compared to you.— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 7, 2018
President Trump has requested a military parade in Washington, D.C. later this year. This hasn't happened in the U.S. since 1991, and is expected to cost millions of dollars. pic.twitter.com/kcsdoFfDA9
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 7, 2018
Dear Leader Trump's Glorious Military Parade Announced On State TV pic.twitter.com/tJAlvPlLAT
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 7, 2018
Advisor: Your poll numbers are lousy.
Trump: Let’s build a wall.
Advisor: Nope.
Trump: Have more rallies
Advisor: Nope.
Trump: Shut down the govt
Advisor: Seriously?
Trump: Let’s… have a parade!— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) February 7, 2018
Republicans about spending money on food stamps for poor kids: “THE DEFICIT!!!”
Republicans about throwing a giant military parade because Trump wants one: “WHAT DEFICIT???”
— Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) February 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/TravisAllen02/status/961304471497297920
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
