Republican lawmakers are not in the mood to join Donald Trump’s big birthday parade in Washington DC. The event is officially being called a celebration for the Army’s 250th anniversary. But let’s be honest. It is also happening on Trump’s 79th birthday and has his name all over it.
While Trump is excited and calling it an “incredible display,” many GOP members are keeping their distance. Most are heading home for the weekend. Some say it is for personal reasons. Others say they have work to do in their home states. But the message is clear. Not many want to be seen clapping and cheering for Trump while tanks roll past the National Mall.
Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska said he was attending a funeral. Senator Pete Ricketts is going to Nebraska for the College World Series. Senator Roger Wicker is flying to the Paris Air Show. Senator Tommy Tuberville is back in Alabama, campaigning to be governor. Even Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Trump supporter, skipped the parade to celebrate his wedding anniversary in Oklahoma.
Top Senate leaders, such as John Thune and John Barrasso, are also not attending. That says a lot.
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Workers in Washington have been busy. They constructed large viewing stands and erected fencing near the Lincoln Memorial. Trump had promised a military parade full of tanks, soldiers, and flags. However, it seems that most of his party is not feeling the same level of excitement.
Some GOP senators have even raised concerns about the cost. The Army has said the event might cost up to $45 million. That is a lot of money for what some are calling a political show.
Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana said, “The United States of America is the most powerful country in all of human history. We’re a lion, and a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion.” He added that he would rather save the money. But if the president wants a parade, that is his choice.
Senator Rand Paul was more direct. He said he does not like the idea of soldiers and tanks marching through the streets. He said it reminded him of what happens in countries like North Korea and the former Soviet Union.
Furthermore, major television networks are not giving the event much attention. Some will not air it live. Instead, they are sticking to their usual sports coverage. That means even regular Americans may miss the event unless they actively seek it out.
Only a few Republicans said they would attend. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas plans to welcome troops from Fort Riley. On the House side, out of 50 lawmakers surveyed, only seven said they would be there. One of them is Marjorie Taylor Greene, a strong supporter of Trump.
The parade might still go on. The tanks might still roll. Trump will likely still give his big speech. However, if most of his party is absent, the whole thing will feel more like a lonely birthday party than a celebration of American power.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
