Critics rush to rain on Trump military parade

DONALD TRUMP has asked the Pentagon to organise a large-scale military parade in Washington in a move criticised as evidence of creeping authoritarianism.

Democrats questioned the symbolism of such a parade, suggesting the events were a relic of a bygone era, as well as the potential cost.

Jim Mcgovern, a Democratic congressman, called the plans an “absurd waste of money,” adding: “Trump acts more like dictator than president. Americans deserve better.”

Several retired military personnel have said the money would be better spent improving conditions for veterans or raising military wages. Paul Eaton, a retired general and senior adviser to Votevets, a political action committee for veterans, said: “Donald Trump has continually shown himself to have authoritarian tendencies, and this is just another worrisome example.”

Mr Trump – who has long toyed with the idea of a parade that would showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief – made the request to top Pentagon officers.

The White House has confirmed the plans, with Sarah Sanders, the press secretary, saying the event would be “a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation” for the armed forces. Pentagon officials are thought to want the event to fall on Veterans’ Day, Nov 11, which also marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, to avoid overly politicising the occasion.