Consider This from NPR: What's the Message Behind Trump's Military Parade?
Release Date: June 2, 2025
In this episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's planned military parade scheduled for June 14, 2025. The discussion explores the motivations behind the parade, its alignment with American traditions, and the broader implications for the presidency and military honor.
Trump’s Announcement and Rationale
The episode opens with the announcement of President Trump’s intention to hold a grand military parade. At the outset (00:00), Ari Shapiro highlights the central debate: “Who and what is it for?” President Trump publicly stated his aim, asserting, “We're gonna have a big, beautiful parade” (00:12) and emphasizing the celebration of the armed forces (00:15). Trump linked the parade to both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his personal milestone, his 79th birthday.
Criticism and Political Opposition
The parade has not been without its critics. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California labeled the event a “vanity project” akin to displays orchestrated by authoritarian leaders globally (00:22). Joshua Zeitz, a historian and contributing editor for Politico, further critiques the administration’s approach, stating, “When Donald Trump is slashing veterans benefits to aggrandize himself, to communicate to the country his control over the military is just another shameful act of this administration” (00:44). This perspective frames the parade as a tool for personal aggrandizement rather than a genuine homage to the military.
Historical Context of U.S. Military Parades
Ari Shapiro provides historical context by referencing past military parades in the United States (00:57). Notably, he cites President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade, which featured a replica Navy PT boat and 22,000 troops, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s parade, which included a cannon capable of firing a nuclear warhead (01:07; 01:09). These events were typically celebratory of military victories following significant conflicts, such as the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
Expert Insights by Joshua Zeitz
Historian Joshua Zeitz offers a deep analysis of the proposed parade’s place within American tradition (03:00). He draws parallels between Trump’s parade and those of authoritarian regimes, suggesting that the latter use such displays to project power and intimidate both domestic and international audiences (04:39). Zeitz contrasts this with the American tradition, where large military parades have historically marked the end of wars and the demobilization of troops, rather than serving as displays of ongoing military might (04:21).
Zeitz further elaborates on how Trump’s actions, including the military parade, signify a broader shift in the presidency. He argues that Trump is “reinventing the presidency as something that doesn’t resemble what it has traditionally in American history” (05:32). This transformation includes expanding presidential authority and altering the traditional relationship between the military and the executive branch.
Significance to Veterans and Past Parades
Reflecting on the 1991 Gulf War parade, Shapiro notes its profound impact on veterans, particularly Vietnam War veterans who had not previously received similar recognition (06:38). A poignant quote from Captain Ben Clapsaddle underscores the emotional significance of such parades: “I grew up in the 60s and 70s. My father was a Vietnam veteran. And the thousands of soldiers and service members that came home from that war didn’t receive anything like this” (07:00). This historical reference serves to highlight the unique nature of Trump’s parade and its departure from traditional commemorations tied to specific conflicts.
Public Perception and Intentions
The alignment of the parade with Trump’s birthday raises questions about the true intent behind the event. Zeitz suggests that the timing implies a focus on the president himself rather than solely honoring the military (07:20). This dual purpose fosters skepticism about whether the parade genuinely serves as a tribute to the armed forces or functions as a platform for personal glorification (07:38).
Conclusion
In wrapping up, Shapiro emphasizes the delicate balance between honoring military service and maintaining the integrity of presidential traditions. The planned parade, while ostensibly a celebration of the armed forces, has sparked debate over its alignment with American values and historical precedents. As Zeitz points out, this event may symbolize a broader redefinition of presidential power and its relationship with the military, raising important questions about leadership and national identity in contemporary America.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump (00:12): "We're gonna have a big, beautiful parade."
- Joshua Zeitz (00:44): "When Donald Trump is slashing veterans benefits to aggrandize himself... this is just another shameful act of this administration."
- Captain Ben Clapsaddle (07:00): "I grew up in the 60s and 70s. My father was a Vietnam veteran. And the thousands of soldiers and service members that came home from that war didn’t receive anything like this."
Production Credits:
- Produced by: Connor Donovan
- Edited by: Jeanette Woods
- Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun
This episode of Consider This from NPR was brought to you by various sponsors supporting NPR’s mission.