Highlighting a growing division within the Republican Party, a GOP senator has slammed President Donald Trump’s military parade.
Specifically, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sparked controversy by comparing the event to Soviet and North Korean displays of force.
The libertarian-leaning senator’s criticism stems from concerns about fiscal responsibility over what some perceive as unnecessary shows of military might.
Paul made his comments during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
He directly challenged the wisdom of the parade, which comes with a hefty price tag between $25 and $45 million.
“I just never liked the idea of the parade because I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, and the only parades I can remember are Soviet parades, for the most part, or North Korean parades,” Paul stated.
“The parades I remember from our history were different. We never glorified weapons so much. And I know [Trump] means well. I don’t think he means for any of this to be depicted in another fashion,” he added.
“But I’m just not a big fan. Then there is the cost. I mean, we’re $2 trillion in the hole and just an additional cost like this, I’m not for it,” the senator continued.
Paul’s stance reflects a broader hesitation among congressional Republicans to embrace the parade.
A survey revealed that only seven out of 50 Republican lawmakers planned to remain in Washington, DC, for the event.
Many cited scheduling conflicts or previous commitments, but the low attendance speaks volumes about the mixed feelings within the party.
President Trump did not take Paul’s criticism lightly. He fired back on Truth Social, writing: “Rand votes NO on everything, but never has any practical or constructive ideas. His ideas are actually crazy (losers!).”
The conflict between Paul and Trump extends beyond the parade. The Kentucky senator has also opposed President Trump’s tariff policies and expressed concerns about the current budget reconciliation bill.
Paul is not alone in his concerns. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has emphasized that America’s power does not need to be showcased in military parades.
The silent majority of Republicans who chose not to attend the parade suggests many share these reservations but are reluctant to publicly criticize the president.
Despite the public disagreement, sources indicate that President Trump later softened his stance toward Paul, re-inviting him to a White House event and acknowledging his importance as a Senate vote.
The White House has remained silent on Paul’s criticism, declining to respond to media inquiries about both the parade and the senator’s comments.
This silence leaves supporters wondering about the administration’s strategy for addressing internal party dissent on fiscal matters.
