Key Takeaways:
- President Trump is hosting a birthday celebration combined with the Army’s 250th anniversary.
- Fewer than 10% of congressional Republicans plan to attend the event.
- Many GOP lawmakers are skipping the event for other commitments, including a major defense conference in Paris.
- Some prominent Republicans, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, will attend.
- The White House says the event will still feature top military leaders and thousands of patriotic Americans.
Trump Celebrates Birthday and Army Anniversary, But Few GOP Lawmakers Show Up
President Donald Trump is throwing a big birthday party this weekend—a celebration that also honors the Army’s 250th anniversary. The event will feature warplanes, tanks, and a massive military parade on the National Mall. However, most congressional Republicans won’t be there to join in the festivities.
According to a recent report, only six out of 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed plan to stay in Washington for the celebration. This means top Republican leaders, including those who oversee the military, are skipping the event.
Why? Many of these lawmakers have other plans. Some are heading to Paris for a major defense industry conference. Others are staying home for personal reasons, like family birthdays or anniversaries.
For example, Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said he’ll be campaigning for governor in his home state. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma joked, “I choose to be married,” as he celebrates his wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee said the parade conflicts with his daughter’s 18th birthday.
Even some military veterans in Congress, like Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Todd Young of Indiana, are skipping the event.
Who Is Attending Trump’s Celebration?
While many high-profile Republicans are absent, Trump still has some loyal supporters attending the event. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia confirmed she’ll be there, along with other MAGA-aligned lawmakers like Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Elise Stefanik of New York, and Corey Mills of Florida.
The White House isn’t worried about the low GOP turnout. Officials say Trump will be joined by top military leaders, at least 15 Cabinet members, and thousands of patriotic Americans.
Trump Warns Protesters Ahead of the Event
As the big day approaches, Trump has issued a warning to anyone planning to protest the parade. He threatened that protesters will face a “very big force.”
The event itself promises to be a grand display of military power and patriotism, with warplanes flying overhead and tanks rolling through the National Mall. However, the lack of Republican lawmakers at the celebration has raised eyebrows in Washington.
Will this event help Trump connect with his base ahead of the 2024 election? Only time will tell. For now, it’s clear that while many Republicans are busy elsewhere, Trump’s loyal supporters will be out in full force.