President Donald Trump is celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary — and his own 79th birthday — with a massive, multimillion-dollar military parade Saturday in Washington.
Low GOP Attendance
But one group of otherwise devoted Trump allies largely won’t be there to celebrate: congressional Republicans.
Among the 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed by POLITICO, only six said they planned to stay in Washington this weekend for the festivities. Those begging off include members of the Republican leadership in both chambers.
Who’s Skipping?
The chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees, the top congressional officials overseeing the military, are skipping Trump’s pageantry, which includes a flyover of vintage and contemporary warplanes. Instead, they’ll attend a different air show — the annual defense industry confab in Paris.
Many more GOP members are choosing to stay away, citing various reasons like campaign engagements, personal anniversaries, and family birthdays.
White House Response
The White House is unfazed by the absences, highlighting the expected attendance of senior military leaders, Cabinet members, and patriotic Americans to celebrate the military’s legacy.
President Trump anticipates a historic crowd at the Army Birthday Parade, emphasizing the honor, courage, and sacrifice of the U.S. military over 250 years.
Cost Concerns
While some Hill Republicans are indifferent to the parade’s cost, others like Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington express reservations if the expenses exceed certain thresholds.
Military leaders defend the parade as crucial for recruitment, but Democrats criticize the prioritization of pageantry over service members and their families.
Protests and Counteractions
Protesters planning to counter the parade have drawn attention, prompting Trump to warn of a forceful response. The event has sparked debates on its significance, cost, and political implications.
Despite controversies, the parade is set to showcase military history with troops, tanks, vehicles, and aircraft spanning various U.S. conflicts.
