President Trump’s administration is considering a military parade in Washington, D.C., similar to one he previously planned and then canceled during his first term.
The Hill reports that the proposed parade would commemorate the US Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday, both on June 14.
The Pentagon has been planning a celebration since last year, with the scope potentially expanding since Trump’s return to office in January, according to a senior administration source cited by The Hill.
The Hill quoted Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler stating, “Our intention is for Americans to be proud of their Army and also proud of their nation. It’s too early to say yet whether or not we’re having a parade, but we’re working with the White House as well as several government agencies to make the celebration a national-level event.”
Washington City Paper reports the parade route could potentially span nearly four miles, extending from the Pentagon to the White House.
Newsmax and the New York Post, citing an unnamed White House official, state that planning is preliminary and “no military parade has been scheduled” at this time.
Trump previously suggested a large military parade for Veterans Day 2018, inspired by the Bastille Day celebration he observed in France in 2017. He reportedly told military aides, “I want a parade like the one in France.”
That event was ultimately called off after cost estimates rose to over $90 million, exceeding initial projections by more than threefold. City officials also raised concerns about the use of heavy military vehicles, fearing damage to streets and infrastructure and increased costs for public safety and logistics.
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