Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he was not a “big fan” of Saturday’s parade, which was held to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and to kick off a year’s worth of additional celebrations ahead of the country’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Host Kristen Welker said, “Let’s turn to what we witnessed in Washington, D.C., the Nation’s Capitol on Saturday, a military parade celebrating the 250th birthday of the Army here in Washington yesterday. You expressed some doubt ahead of the parade. President Trump was to showcase the army’s military might, and even to inspire a new generation to sign up for military service. Senator, what do you say about that argument? Could the parade have that benefit of encouraging people to sign up and enlist?”
Paul said, “You know, I’m all for the president appearing and doing enlistment ceremonies at military bases. I’ve been with the president at Dover to receive home our dead soldiers, and so those who have been killed in action, and to mourn their loss.”
He added, “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. You know, dipping the girl and kissing the girl in New York, and a ticker-tape parade.
“But we were rejoicing in the end of the war, and we were rejoicing in our soldiers coming home. That absolutely should be commemorated and discussed every year, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, and we never glorified weapons so much. I know he means well. I don’t think he means this to be cited in this fashion. Then there is the cost. We are $2 trillion in the hole. I’m not for it,” he said.
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Trump hater @RandPaul went on liberal media this morning to bash President Trump for having a military parade to honor the US Army.
Why are RINOs and Democrats so anti-patriotism??
I was at the parade yesterday and it was a lot of fun. Children loved it, adults loved it, and… pic.twitter.com/xsEgrxYG4R
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 15, 2025
At least one Democrat – Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania – had a better perspective on the celebration than did Paul, He wrote, “This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us. Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service,” followed byh an American flag emoji.
This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us.
Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service. ?? https://t.co/YghyZkK2JS
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 14, 2025
