The Hill: Mattis dodges on cost of military parade
Defense Secretary James Mattis on Wednesday dodged a question about why the Pentagon should spend time and money planning a military parade requested by President Trump.
Asked during a White House press briefing why the Pentagon would "divert time, energy, financial resources" to fulfill Trump's request for a military parade amid defense budget woes, Mattis responded that the parade request is an example of Trump's "respect" for the military.
“I think what my responsibility is to make certain I lay out the strategy and make the argument for the oversight of Congress to make the determination of fully funding us. As far as the parade goes again, the president’s respect, his fondness for the military, I think is reflected in him asking for these options,” Mattis told reporters.
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Update #1: 'Tanks but no tanks!' say critics of Trump's plan for military parade (Reuters)
Update #2: Trump's military parade draws bipartisan rebuke (Politico)
WNU Editor: The Air Force has its air shows. The US Navy has Fleet Week. So why not the Army (and Marines) having a show. But considering the outcry against it .... I guess there are a lot of people out there who do not like parades.
