Birthday snub? Trump's military parade faces mass Republican no-show amid rising tensions
As US President Donald Trump prepares to organise a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army on June 14, which also coincided with his 79th birthday, many of his Republican allies in Congress have opted out and decided not to attend the event, as per a report.
Most GOP Lawmakers Say No to the Parade
Politico's survey of 50 GOP lawmakers showed that just 7 of 50 Republican lawmakers said that they intended to attend Trump's parade, as per Daily Beast. Notable figures such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Majority Whip John Barrasso, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, will not be attending, according to the report.
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Rand Paul Criticizes Parade's Style
Kentucky junior senator Rand Paul shared that he was not a fan of 'goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street,' and added, 'So if you asked me, I wouldn't have done it. We were always different than the images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea. We were proud not to be that,' quoted Daily Beast.
Personal Commitments Take Priority
According to the report, many lawmakers return to their families and districts on weekends instead of spending time in Washington. While many lawmakers said that they were not going to the event because they had prior commitments, reported Daily Beast.
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Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said that it is his anniversary this weekend, and 'I choose to be married,' as quoted in the report.
Even Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida and House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris have also planned to not attend the event, which is expected to cost up to $45 million, as per Daily Beast.
Some Republicans Will Still Attend
However, some Republicans have shown enthusiasm to attend the event on the weekend like the Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said, 'Yes, of course, I'm going to be there for the 250th anniversary of the Army,' quoted Daily Beast.
As per the report, some members from the House will also make an appearance, Byron Donalds, Cory Mills, Elise Stefanik, Rich McCormick, John McGuire, and Lisa McClain.
FAQs
How many Republicans are attending?
Out of 50 surveyed GOP lawmakers, only 7 confirmed they plan to attend.
How much will the parade cost?
It's expected to cost up to $45 million, as per Daily Beast report.
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