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
The claim that former President Donald Trump expressed interest in a military parade after being impressed by the 2017 Bastille Day celebration in France is well-documented. Following his attendance at the French military parade, Trump remarked that it was "one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen" and stated, "We’re going to have to try and top it" (source-1, source-2). This enthusiasm led him to propose a similar event in the United States, which was initially planned during his first term but was ultimately canceled due to concerns about the high costs involved (source-1, source-3).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming that Trump's interest in a military parade was indeed sparked by his experience at the Bastille Day festivities in 2017. The Associated Press and Washington Post both detail Trump's admiration for the French parade and his subsequent intentions to replicate that spectacle in the U.S.
However, it is important to note that while Trump's desire for a military parade was clear, logistical and financial challenges prevented its realization during his first term. The initial proposal faced backlash over the estimated costs, which were deemed excessive by some lawmakers (source-1). This context adds depth to the claim, illustrating that while Trump was inspired by the French parade, his ambitions were met with practical limitations.
The sources utilized in this analysis are credible and well-established news organizations, which enhances the reliability of the information presented. The CNN report further corroborates the timeline of events and Trump's reactions, reinforcing the claim's validity.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump first made noises about a military parade during his first term after being impressed by the 2017 Bastille Day celebration is True. The evidence clearly shows that Trump's admiration for the French military display directly influenced his desire to host a similar event in the United States, despite the challenges that ultimately prevented it from occurring during his presidency.
