President Donald Trump’s grand military parade to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary is rolling into Washington, D.C., this Saturday, but some of the biggest GOP names are rolling right out of town.
This weekend’s spectacle, the first of its scale in nearly four decades, is set to showcase military might along the National Mall, yet many Republican lawmakers are giving it a hard pass. As reported by Newsmax, the parade will kick off near the Pentagon, but the absence of key conservative figures is raising questions.
Out of 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed by Politico, only seven confirmed they’ll be there to cheer on the troops. It’s no shock that Democrats are steering clear of what they likely see as a celebration of traditional values, but even top Republicans like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are citing “home state obligations” for their no-show.
The parade, marking a milestone for the Army, will feature hardware and pageantry not seen since 1991, when President George H.W. Bush honored the Gulf War victory. Yet, with many in Congress already skipping town on weekends, the timing seems to clash with political schedules—or perhaps priorities.
Some absences sting more than others. Sen. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is jetting off to the Paris Air Show while Sen. Tommy Tuberville is busy campaigning for governor in Alabama, casually reminding everyone, “I’ve got another job I’m going for.”
Others, like Sens. Josh Hawley and Markwayne Mullin, simply stated they won’t be attending, offering no elaborate excuses. It’s almost as if they’re saying, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to a display of national pride—curious for those who often wave the flag loudest.
Then there’s the price tag—a hefty $45 million estimate that’s got fiscal conservatives squirming in their seats. While many in the GOP are already sparring over missed chances to trim the budget, this expenditure is a tough pill to swallow for some.
Sen. Ron Johnson, known for his budget hawkishness, isn’t attending but offered a surprisingly measured take: “I don’t like spending on anything, but if you’re going to splurge on something, this is probably not a bad thing.” That’s about as close to a compliment as you’ll get from a man who’d rather balance the books than parade down the Mall.
Still, the optics of so many Republicans skipping out on a tribute to the military—under a president who’s made patriotism a cornerstone of his brand—feels like a missed opportunity. If you’re going to champion the troops, shouldn’t you at least show up to the party?
The White House, however, isn’t sweating the absences. Spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed concerns, emphasizing that the event isn’t about politicians anyway. “President Trump looks forward to a historic crowd at the Army Birthday Parade,” she stated, highlighting a focus on military leaders and everyday Americans.
Kelly’s statement continued, noting that Trump will be joined by “top military leaders, administration officials, congressional representatives, and most importantly, thousands of patriotic Americans to celebrate 250 years of honor, courage, and sacrifice by our United States military.” It’s a noble sentiment, even if the VIP section might look a bit sparse.
Indeed, Cabinet members like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins are expected to be there, lending some heavyweight support. Their presence underscores that this administration remains committed to honoring the armed forces, regardless of who else RSV
Let’s be clear: this parade isn’t about scoring political points or pandering to the progressive crowd that recoils at displays of military strength. It’s about recognizing 250 years of sacrifice by men and women who’ve defended the nation, often while politicians bicker over budgets and photo ops.
The Secret Service anticipates thousands lining the streets from the Pentagon to the National Mall, a reminder that everyday citizens— not just suits in D.C.—still value the Army’s legacy. While some GOP lawmakers may be AWOL, the heart of this event lies with the people who show up, not the ones who don’t.
So, as tanks roll and bands play this Saturday, let’s hope the focus stays on the troops, not the truants. After all, honoring our military shouldn’t be a partisan parade—it’s a duty that transcends excuses, even if they’re dressed up as “home state obligations.”
