PRESIDENT TRUMP'S MILITARY PARADES

WASHINGTON : President Donald Trump's dream of hosting a military parade in Washington was met with almost universal derision on Wednesday-

With critics seeing doubly sure evidence of creeping authoritarianism.

White House and military officials confirmed that planning for the event was already underway, but a date had not been decided. Support for the idea appeared to be thin on the ground, even from Trump's erstwhile supporters.

Meanwhile Democratic lawmakers described it as an ''idiot'' and ''authoritarian'' idea from a ''Napoleon in the making'''.

Top Trump ally Republican Congressman Jim Jordan suggested further deliberation was needed.   

""We'' have that debate,'' he said. ''Our focus is making sure our military gets what it needs to defend this great country.''

''Whether we need a parade or not, I'll leave that up the Commander-in-Chief,'' he said.

In a sign of a possible tension between Trump and his own staff, White House officials stressed the parade was still a ''discussion''.

A commander-in-chief, Trump could order the military to carry out the parade without any further debate.

The last major military parade in Washington took place in 1991 after the Gulf War, with missiles and tanks rolling through the streets of the capital.

American enthusiastically attended, but Bush was pilloried by Democrats for the move.

Trump's parade would be a showcase of American muscle, but would also undoubtedly focus on on his own role as commander-in-chief.

Since taking office, Trump has frequently touted the support for the US military and placed high ranking generals in top White House and cabinet posts.

[AFP].