Trump’s Military Parade Is a Skip for GOP Congressional Leaders

President Donald Trump’s military parade this weekend will draw top Pentagon brass and big tanks. But among those missing from the extravaganza will be leading Republicans from both chambers of Congress.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) aren’t planning to attend the parade on Saturday, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Army and also coincides with Trump’s birthday. A slew of other Republican lawmakers in both chambers said they won’t be able to make the event, some citing family events and others showing distaste for displays of military power.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told reporters that he’s never been a fan of “goose-stepping soldiers,” while Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) told reporters it’s the president’s call, but he wouldn’t spend the money if it were him.

Lawmakers often don’t stick around Washington for the weekends, and they’re pointing to that as reason for not attending. But the parade has raised concerns about costs. Democrats have criticized the administration for the price tag associated with the festival and parade, which officials say could cost between $25 million and $45 million.

A slate of Republican senators, including Sens. Kevin Cramer (N.D.) and Josh Hawley (Mo.), said they don’t plan to make it. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said he won’t be able to attend since he’ll be campaigning for governor. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) will be in Wyoming. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said he supports it, but he can’t go because it’s his wedding anniversary. “I choose marriage,” he said.

Republican senators have offered mixed reactions to the costs associated with the parade.

But others have defended it. Cramer said he was fine with it since they need to show off the military more “both as a deterrent to our adversaries, and as inspiration to our taxpayers.” Thune told reporters that there are “a lot of people who believe that that’s a cause worth celebrating, so obviously there’s a cost associated with it.”

A list of House Republicans also said they won’t be able to make the parade. Rep. Max Miller (Ohio), a former Trump aide, said he’s not going because he wants to go home and see his daughter. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) can’t go because he has political travel over recess. GOP Reps. Derrick Van Orden (Wis.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.) and House Republican Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (Utah) also said they couldn’t make it.

But not everyone is getting out of town. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said she’ll be attending. Rep. Kevin Hern (Okla.), chairman of Republican Policy Committee, also said he’ll be going.

“It’s not for us as Congress,” Hern said. “It’s to show the American people about how much we respect our military, which is something that’s been lacking in past few years.”