GOP to Trump: $45M Parade? HARD PASS!

President Trump’s proposed $45 million military parade—timed with his birthday—has triggered a rare rift within the GOP, as key Republican senators denounce the cost and optics of the spectacle.

At a Glance

• Sen. Rand Paul condemned the parade, comparing it to military pageants in authoritarian states
• The June 14 parade would mark the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday
• Additional dissenters include Sens. Kennedy, Collins, Wicker, and Johnson
• The event includes 6,600 Army troops, WWII bombers, and Vietnam-era helicopters
• Post-parade street repairs in D.C. could add $16 million to the tab

GOP Uproar Over Pricey Military Pageant

President Trump’s plan to hold a massive military parade in Washington D.C. is meeting unexpected resistance from Republican lawmakers. Sen. Rand Paul led the charge, blasting the $45 million spectacle as “something you’d expect in Pyongyang, not Pennsylvania Avenue.” He warned that glorifying military might in such fashion sends the wrong message about America’s values—especially as the event is set to coincide with Trump’s own birthday.

Joining the criticism, Sen. John Kennedy questioned whether it’s appropriate to spend tens of millions when many Americans are still struggling economically. “We all love the troops,” he said, “but a tank rolling down D.C. on the president’s birthday doesn’t scream fiscal responsibility.”

Parade Costs Mount as Support Wanes

The Department of Defense projects that restoring D.C. streets post-event—damaged by armored vehicles and mobile missile systems—could tack on another $16 million. With plans to roll out 6,600 soldiers, vintage B-25 bombers, and Vietnam-era helicopters, the event is not only expensive but a logistical headache.

Sen. Ron Johnson made his position clear: “If it’s that expensive, I won’t go.” Others like Sens. Susan Collins and Roger Wicker have voiced quieter disapproval, but the chorus of skepticism reveals unease within Republican ranks. Critics are concerned the celebration strays too far into spectacle at taxpayer expense.

Defense Spending Under Scrutiny

The parade debate comes amid wider backlash over the recent deployment of 4,700 troops to Los Angeles, which itself carries a $134 million price tag. Lawmakers critical of the parade are demanding similar scrutiny of that mission, which involves Marines and National Guard members securing ICE operations.

President Trump, undeterred, insists both the parade and L.A. deployment showcase American strength and readiness. During a speech at Fort Bragg last week, he defended the celebration as a tribute to the Army and a symbol of American pride. But with Republicans now voicing doubts about the costs and messaging, Trump may find his grand display marching into more political resistance than applause.