Trump, DC clash over parade cost
President cancels event to spotlight military after price hits $92M
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump blamed the Washington, D.C., government Friday for his decision to cancel a proposed military parade – though local officials denied his claim and many federal agencies also raised concerns about the cost and logistics.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said Friday via Twitter that the district’s cost estimate was only $21.6 million, closer to the administration’s $12 million projection from February. On Thursday, Pentagon officials told CNN the actual costs would be $92 million, or $80 million more than the original estimate.
“The local politicians who run Washington, D.C. (poorly) know a windfall when they see it,” Trump tweeted. “When asked to give us a price for holding a great celebratory military parade, they wanted a number so ridiculously high that I cancelled it. Never let someone hold you up!”
Trump also announced he would attend a smaller parade already scheduled for Joint Base Andrews, as well as a Nov. 11 parade in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Bowser said the proposed parade carried significant concerns for taxpayers.
John J. Falcicchio, chief of staff to Bowser, took issue with Trump’s claim that the city is “poorly” run, calling it “fake news.” He cited a newly earned AAA bond rating.
Trump’s attendance at a Paris military parade last year inspired him to call for an American version.