Trump's military parade is costing millions and, potentially, something more valuable, critics say
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Donald Trump's long-desired military parade was only confirmed six weeks ago, but it now arrives in a week that has raised alarm among military experts and Democrats over the politicization of American troops.
According to The Associated Press, Saturday's parade in Washington will feature synchronized flyovers of military aircraft, along with the processions of tanks, historical re-enactments and marching soldiers
Singer Lee Greenwood, famed for God Bless the U.S.A., is on tap to perform during the nationally televised ceremony, and Trump will address the crowd from a custom viewing stand. At one point, it is expected he will be handed an American flag by a parachutist. The event is expected to conclude with fireworks, weather permitting.
The display comes just days after Trump deployed 700 marines and 4,000 of California's National Guard troops to respond to protests in Los Angeles that emerged over his administration's raids targeting unauthorized residents.
Gary Barthel, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer and managing partner of the Military Law Center in California, called the response to the L.A. protests a "gross overstep" that threatens the constitutional right of assembly, speaking with CBC News this week.
Barthel said that the protests "do not fit the legal description of an insurrection that would require the military to be activated to support local law enforcement."
While Trump might ultimately prevail in what the Pentagon envisions as a 60-day deployment in L.A. — a legal battle is currently playing out — it is the first time a U.S. president has called in the National Guard to a state without the permission of its governor in 60 years.
WATCH l Administration hasn't justified military response for L.A., analyst says:
Sending military to L.A. a 'gross overstep' by Trump administration: Ex-marine | Hanomansing Tonight
3 days ago
Duration 6:45
Gary Barthel, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer calls the Trump administration's move to mobilize the National Guard and the marines to Los Angeles in response to anti-ICE protests 'illegal' and a 'gross overstep.'
Democrats insulted at Fort Bragg
More seriously, to some, was a Trump speech given earlier this week at the U.S. army military installation at Fort Bragg, N.C. Reports emerged that boos were heard among the troops after Trump made references to the media, as well as Democratic politicians such as former president Joe Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
Tom Nichols, retired professor at the U.S. Naval War College, expressed dismay in Atlantic magazine, where he is a columnist, and on MSNBC, that senior military officials haven't spoken out about the politicized display.
"We pride ourselves on an apolitical, non-partisan military that serves the constitution ... we don't have a military that is out there hooting and nodding and laughing and ridiculing a former commander-in-chief, a sitting governor, a mayor of a major city. That's playing with political fire," Nichols told MSNBC's Morning Joe program.
Trump at one point asked the assembled, "Do you think this crowd would have showed up for Biden? I don't think so."
But according to Military.com, which obtained internal 82nd Airborne Division communications, the event was highly choreographed — with more than a wink to political preferences.
"If soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they don't want to be in the audience then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out," one note to troops read, according to the website founded in 1999 to deliver news for the U.S. service member and veteran community.
Parade to cost government at least $25M
In addition, the site reported, a pop-up shop selling Trump merchandise was on site.
The parade was initially conceived as a July 4 event, but Trump found occasion this year to add it onto a long-planned celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army that coincides with Flag Day and his own 79th birthday.
"No event can fully capture our gratitude for those who have worn the uniform, but this grand parade will ensure our veterans and active-duty service members are recognized with the respect and magnificence they deserve," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.
Private donations from companies like Lockheed Martin, Amazon and UFC are helping defray some of the costs, but the government is expected to spend $25 million to $45 million US, according to AP.
"If it was really about celebrating military families, we could put $30 million toward helping them offset the cost of their child care, food assistance and tuition," said Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs in combat in 2004.
Several Democrats have pointed out what they say is hypocrisy coming from Trump and Republicans, who have supported widespread cuts across several federal agencies including the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs.
"In a moment of crisis for all of our veterans, the VA's system of health care and benefits has been disastrously and disgracefully put on the chopping block by the Trump administration," Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said at a news conference in March.
In addition, the deployment of troops in Los Angeles could cost $134 million, a Pentagon official told lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week.
When Trump activated the National Guard just hours after protests began, it was the first time it was activated without a governor's permission since 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops into Alabama, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
Democrats have pointed out the irony between the two examples — Johnson was, in effect, protecting the right of assembly for civil rights protesters, while Trump's move was intended to stamp out protests.
The White House justified the response as necessary because of the threat of widespread violence. While there has been sporadic looting and destruction of property and several vehicles, L.A. has seen much more dangerous, deadly demonstrations. At this point, the only known lengthy hospitalization was suffered by a journalist shot by a rubber bullet, which often have metal in their core, and likely came from law enforcement.
Will peaceful protesters be met with 'big force'?
Trump also delivered a stark warning for the Washington parade.
"We're going to celebrate big on Saturday," he said this week. "If any protesters want to come out, they will be met with very big force."
WATCH l Trump's weekend warning:
Trump says protestors disrupting Flag Day to be met with 'very heavy force'
21 hours ago
Duration 1:17
Trump did not distinguish between peaceful protesters and troublemakers committing violence, though the White House press secretary later took umbrage at the suggestion the president doesn't support the First Amendment, which spells out the right to peaceful assembly.
Trump first made noises about a military parade in his first term, having been wowed by a 2017 Bastille Day celebration while in France.
Parades in the U.S. outside of wartime are unusual. Washington hosted a victory parade in 1991 after the first Persian Gulf War. It included 8,000 troops, tanks, Patriot missiles but also representatives of the international coalition that had been led by the U.S. in that battle.
According to the weather forecast, it may literally rain on Trump's parade. The White House has said it will go on rain or shine, but an army official said this week that if lightning occurs, it would have to be at least delayed for the safety of the tens of thousands expected to attend.
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