Montini: President Trump orders a military parade for … himself

Donald Trump wants to throw himself a parade.

He says it’s not for him. At least that’s what his public relations flacks say. In a statement his press secretary said, "President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation." 

Come on.

It’s not a show of appreciation for the military that Trump is looking for.

I’d guess we all know that.

Who is the parade REALLY for?

It is a show of appreciation … for him.

He’s needy that way.

He said Democrats who didn’t applaud for him at the State of the Union were “treasonous.” He exaggerates. He tells made-up stories. He throws hissy fits. He applauds for himself. He’s demanding and emotionally volatile. He needs to believe that he “wins” every argument or exchange.

Essentially, he’s a 3-year-old.

Who also happens to be the Commander in Chief.

And what would a 3-year-old do if he was Commander in Chief?

He’d throw himself a parade.

One Pentagon official told TheWashington Post, “"The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France.”

The president's Paris envy

Trump was a spectator at a Bastille Day parade last summer in Paris.

Now he wants one of his own, probably one that passes the hotel he owns in Washington.

There is no estimate yet on how many millions of dollars such an extravaganza would cost.

Whatever it is, there is no doubt the money could be better spent improving health care for veterans, or purchasing new equipment for active military personnel, or raising their pay, or funding programs to assist the families of those who serve. Or any number of other things.

Instead, it will provide the Commander-in-chief – who took five deferments to avoid service during the Vietnam War – a multi-million dollar opportunity to salute the troops.

And, more importantly, an opportunity for them – and us – to salute him.

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