Mattis: Military parade interest reflects Trump’s 'fondness' for US armed forces

Defense Secretary James Mattis said on Wednesday that President Trump’s desire to hold a military parade is rooted in his “fondness” for the U.S. armed forces.

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“I think we’re all aware in this country of the president’s affection and respect for the military,” Mattis commented during a press briefing.

Mattis also noted that he and others have been “been putting together some options” for review.

His comments come one day after the Washington Post reported that planning for a military parade is now underway at the behest of the president.

According to the Post, Trump mentioned the prospect last July after attending the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris, which featured numerous troops and a bevy of military equipment.

While his inspiration reportedly came from France, there are concerns that a public display of tanks and assorted large weaponry would draw associations with totalitarianism and North Korea.

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There’s also the issue of the likely immense cost of assembling and displaying the military’s biggest and most powerful machines, notes the Washington Examiner.

On that matter, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin called the possible parade “a fantastic waste of money to amuse the president” and suggested the funds instead be used to “fix military housing, hire more [Veterans Affairs] doctors…or give more flight training time.”