Most GOP Lawmakers Skip Trump’s $40M Military Parade Washington D.C.

President Donald Trump is hosting a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark his 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary, but the majority of congressional Republicans are skipping the event. Out of 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed, only six or seven confirmed attendance, with most top Republican leaders and Armed Services Committee chairs opting to stay away, citing personal commitments or choosing to attend the Paris Air Show instead. Notably, even some military veterans among the GOP, such as Senators Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott, are not attending. While MAGA loyalists like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Byron Donalds, and Elise Stefanik plan to be present, the absences highlight a lack of widespread enthusiasm within the party for Trump's celebration. The White House has downplayed the significance of these absences, stating Trump will still be joined by top military leaders, administration officials, and thousands of supporters. The parade, estimated to cost up to $45 million, will receive extensive coverage on Fox News but may be largely ignored by other major networks.