Sen. Rand Paul Criticizes Trump Military Parade Cost, Style

Senator Rand Paul publicly criticized President Donald Trump's military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, likening it to Soviet and North Korean parades he remembers from the 1970s and 1980s. Paul emphasized that traditional American parades celebrated peace and soldiers returning home, rather than glorifying military weapons, and expressed concern about the parade's estimated $40 million cost amid the nation's $2 trillion deficit. Despite acknowledging that Trump likely means well, Paul opposed the parade's message and expense, aligning with other Republican critics wary of its optics and fiscal impact. Paul also criticized Trump's broader fiscal policies, including a significant tax and spending bill projected to increase the national deficit by $2.4 trillion, which has strained their relationship, evidenced by a temporary snub from a White House event. Trump defended the parade, asserting that it was time for America to celebrate its victories like other countries. Still, Paul's stance underscores ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over military displays and fiscal responsibility under Trump's administration.