Fact Check: Trump first made noises about a military parade in his first term, having been wowed by a 2017 Bastille Day celebration while in France.

Fact Check: "Trump first made noises about a military parade in his first term, having been wowed by a 2017 Bastille Day celebration while in France."

What We Know

In 2017, President Donald Trump attended the Bastille Day military parade in France, which he described as “magnificent” and “one of the greatest parades I have ever seen” (source-1). Following this event, Trump expressed a desire to host a similar military parade in the United States, stating, “We’re going to have to try and top it” (source-2). His ambition for a grand military display was noted during his first term, although plans were ultimately halted due to concerns over the high costs associated with such an event (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that Trump was inspired by the 2017 Bastille Day celebration to pursue a military parade in the U.S. is well-supported by multiple sources. Trump's own statements following the parade in France indicate a clear admiration for the spectacle and a desire to replicate it (source-2). Furthermore, reports confirm that his efforts to organize a military parade during his presidency were indeed influenced by this experience (source-4).

While some critics have likened such military displays to authoritarian regimes, the historical context of military parades in the U.S. is limited, with the last significant one occurring after the Gulf War in 1991 (source-2). This context adds complexity to the public's perception of Trump's ambitions, framing them within a broader discussion about national identity and military representation.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including major news outlets like the Associated Press and CNN, which have a history of reliable reporting. However, it is important to note that some sources may carry a degree of bias based on their editorial perspectives, particularly regarding political figures like Trump.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Trump first made noises about a military parade during his first term, inspired by the 2017 Bastille Day celebration in France, is accurate. Trump's own statements and subsequent actions confirm that his admiration for the French military display significantly influenced his desire to host a similar event in the United States.

Sources

1. Trump gets his chance to top France with a grand military ...
2. How Trump's military parade compares to others around ...
3. Bastille Day military parade
4. How Trump got the military parade he's always wanted
5. Trump's military parade tomorrow isn't the first in the U.S.
6. U.S., France Celebrate Alliance at Bastille Day Parade
7. France puts on military show as Trump marks Bastille Day ...
8. Trump's Army birthday: Is it a 'dictator-style military parade?'