Ex-NATO commander: We don’t need a ‘North Korean-style parade’

Retired Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO supreme allied commander, on Wednesday criticized President Trump’s request for a military parade, calling such an event unnecessary.

“Parades like this remind me of that old Texas saying about a braggart, saying he was ‘all hat and no cattle,’” Stavridis, who serves as an analyst for MSNBC, told the network.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday night that Trump has asked military officials to explore holding a celebration through the streets of Washington, D.C., for Americans to show their appreciation for the armed forces. 

{mosads}The White House confirmed a short time later that Trump directed the Department of Defense to look into creating such an event.

Defense Secretary James Mattis said Wednesday the parade is a reflection of Trump’s “respect” and “fondness” for the military. He said the Pentagon is working on options for the event to present to Trump, but dodged when asked about its potential cost.

Democrats and some Republicans have scoffed at the idea of a military parade, saying it mirrors events held in authoritarian countries and would be a drain on resources, as well as potentially damaging to D.C.’s infrastructure. 

Other lawmakers have said they’d support a parade that focused on men and women in the armed forces rather than a display of military might.