Trump’s False Patriotism: His Grand Parade Satruday

On Saturday, the nation is slated to witness a grand military parade featuring nearly 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and a range of aircraft. Estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million – a figure likely understating the total impact – this event is presented as a celebration of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, coincidentally falling on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Yet, this planned spectacle is a departure from the norm. Contrary to popular imagination, the U.S. military does not typically conduct large-scale public parades. Those public events that do occur, such as Fleet Week or ceremonial displays, are usually recruitment-focused and deliberately nonpolitical. True military parades on this scale are reserved for moments of national triumph, occasions like the celebrations following the victories in 1946 or 1991, designed to honor those who fought and won major wars. This parade lacks any such victory to celebrate.

The absence of a traditional justification, coupled with the substantial expense, points to a different purpose. President Trump, who has often praised authoritarian figures, appears to be leveraging this display of military power to enhance his “tough-guy” persona at home and project strength abroad.

This politicization of the military is deeply problematic, threatening the institution’s apolitical standing and its loyalty to the Constitution. While presidents naturally interact with and represent the military, President Trump’s use of it to validate harsh partisan positions crosses a critical line, fueling concerns that he seeks personal allegiance over fidelity to the Constitution.

Adding a layer of controversy, this effort to use the military for political gain comes from a figure who reportedly took significant steps to avoid military service himself. According to testimony from his former lawyer, President Trump admitted to inventing a medical reason to evade the Vietnam draft, stating he “wasn’t going to Vietnam.” This stark contrast between alleged personal draft avoidance and the public deployment of military symbols for political purposes raises questions about the sincerity of the patriotism on display, suggesting it may be artificial and politically motivated.