Feb 7, 2018
US President Donald Trump has asked the Pentagon to organize a large military parade in the nation’s capital.
The president made the request of top military chiefs in late January, after reportedly being impressed by a French Bastille Day parade last year.
Military displays in Washington DC are usually only used to mark victory at the end of a war.
Democrats compared the plan to displays of military might organized by autocratic nations.
The plan was first revealed by the Washington Post, before being confirmed by the White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders.
“President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe,” she said.
“He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.”
The Pentagon is now looking at the details of the event, though one White House official told the Washington Post plans were still at a “brainstorming” stage.
President Trump enjoyed the Bastille Day parade on July
US media linked the plan to Mr. Trump’s admiration for a military parade he attended in Paris in July last year.
The occasion, marking 100 years since America entered World War One, saw troops march down the Champs-Élysées, accompanied by dozens of military vehicles, flyovers of military aircraft, and traditionally mounted cavalry.
“It was one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen,” Mr. Trump later said. “We’re going to have to try and top it.”
