President Donald Trump is commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary and his own 79th birthday with a grand military parade in Washington. However, a significant portion of his congressional allies from the Republican Party have chosen not to attend, as revealed by a survey conducted by POLITICO. Among the 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed, only seven expressed plans to stay in Washington for the festivities, with most opting for an alternative or personal reasons. Key figures including top military committee chairs have chosen to attend the Paris Air Show instead. Amidst the planned pageantry, bipartisan criticism has emerged regarding the event’s cost, with some lawmakers expressing concern over the financial commitment and its potential impact on military resources.
The parade, set to take place on Saturday, is expected to feature a range of military displays, including vintage and modern aircraft. However, many GOP lawmakers have opted not to attend, citing various reasons. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Majority Whip John Barrasso, along with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have all decided to skip the event. Other notable absentees include Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who mentioned that the event conflicts with his daughter’s 18th birthday. West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice, while not attending, has expressed support for the military celebration.
The White House has downplayed the absence of prominent GOP lawmakers, stating that senior military leaders and Cabinet members, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, will attend the event. The parade is expected to draw a large crowd, with approximately 6,600 troops participating and the display of a variety of military vehicles, including the M1 Abrams tanks and historical aircraft such as the B-25 bomber.
Despite the event’s grandeur, there has been bipartisan concern over its costs. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll noted that the cost could range from $25 million to $40 million, with uncertainty due to potential damages to the National Mall infrastructure. While some lawmakers like Rep. Dan Newhouse have acknowledged the importance of celebrating the military, they have also raised questions about the financial justification for such a large expenditure. Democrats, in particular, have criticized the administration for prioritizing pageantry over addressing military and social issues, such as Social Security cuts and transportation disruptions.
Trump has also issued a warning to potential protesters at the parade, stating that they may be met with “very big force.” This has further fueled concerns about the parade’s implications, with Rep. Don Beyer likening the event to the trappings of authoritarianism. As the event approaches, the focus remains on its significance for Trump’s political narrative, as well as the broader implications for public spending and military priorities.