WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s dream of hosting a military parade inWashington was met with almost universal derision Wednesday, with criticsseeing evidence of creeping authoritarianism.
White House and military officials confirmed that planning for the eventwas already underway, but a date had not yet been decided.
Support for the idea appeared to be thin on the ground, even from Trump’serstwhile supporters.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers described it as an “idiot” and”authoritarian” idea from a “Napoleon in the making.”
Top Trump ally Republican Congressman Jim Jordan suggested furtherdeliberation was needed.
“We’ll have that debate,” he said. “Our focus is making sure our militarygets what it needs to defend this great country.”
“Whether we need a parade or not, I’ll leave that up thecommander-in-chief.”
In a sign of possible tensions between Trump and his own staff, White Houseofficials stressed the parade was still a “discussion.”
As commander-in-chief, Trump could order the military to carry out theparade without any further debate.
The last major military parade in Washington took place in 1991 after theGulf War, with missiles and tanks rolling through the streets of thecapital.
Americans enthusiastically attended, but Bush was pilloried by Democratsfor the move.
Trump’s parade would be a showcase of American muscle, but would alsoundoubtedly focus on his own role as commander-in-chief.
Since taking office, Trump has frequently touted his support for the USmilitary and placed high ranking generals in top White House and cabinetposts.
Even before being president he had mulled the possibility of a parade forhis inauguration in January 2017, but the plan was scrapped.
The idea appears to have been rekindled when Trump visited Paris last Julyfor Bastille Day, when the 45th president made no secret of his awe for thepomp and ceremony of the occasion.
Sitting on the Champs-Elysees, Trump marvelled at the Republican Guard onhorseback, jets flying overhead, and warmly greeted President EmmanuelMacron, who arrived in an open-topped camouflaged military jeep.
Months after that meeting, Trump publicly remarked: “So we’re actuallythinking about Fourth of July, Pennsylvania Avenue, having a really greatparade to show our military strength.”
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump’s intention was rather to have “acelebration” of the military.
Still, Trump’s request immediately fueled comparisons to similar events inmore autocratic countries.
Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison described it as “the Exalted Leader’slatest idiot (and authoritarian) idea.”
“We have a Napoleon in the making here,” said Congresswoman Jackie Speier.- AFP