A recent NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey reveals that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults, or 64%, are against the use of government funds for a military parade in Washington, D.C., planned for this weekend to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday.
The survey indicates strong opposition among Democrats and independents, with 88% and 72% respectively opposing the funding. Conversely, Republicans show majority support, with 65% in favor of the parade financing.
Interestingly, support for using public funds is more pronounced among MAGA supporters, where 75% express favorable views, compared to 56% of Republicans who align more closely with the party.
Conducted from May 30 to June 10, the poll included responses from 19,410 adults nationally and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
Scheduled for Saturday, the parade is anticipated to involve approximately 6,600 soldiers, 50 aircraft, and 150 vehicles. The event will showcase various sections highlighting distinct eras of Army history, along with an air show featuring flyovers and demonstrations by the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team. However, inclement weather predicted for Saturday poses questions about how it might impact the parade.
The estimated cost for this event could soar to $45 million, including up to $16 million earmarked for potential repair work on city streets affected by the movement of military tanks.
In posing the question regarding funding, poll participants were asked if they support or oppose using government resources for the parade orchestrated by President Trump, which is expected to cost millions.
The results showed that only 14% of respondents were strongly in favor, while 22% somewhat supported the funding. Conversely, 44% indicated strong opposition, and 20% were somewhat opposed.
Trump, in defending the costs of the parade on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” dismissed the concerns, suggesting the expenditure was trivial compared to the parade’s significance.
He emphasized the military’s prowess, stating, “We have the greatest missiles in the world. We have the greatest submarines in the world. We have the greatest Army tanks in the world. We have the greatest weapons in the world. And we’re going to celebrate it.”
Criticism from Democratic leaders has surfaced, as they assert that such a parade serves more as a vehicle for Trump’s ego rather than a genuine celebration of the Army. Senator Tammy Duckworth from Illinois expressed her concerns, highlighting the possibility of celebrating the Army’s birthday without expending taxpayer money on a lavish parade.
Duckworth remarked during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, “You’re not doing it to celebrate the Army’s birthday; you’re doing it to stroke Donald Trump’s ego. There are lots of ways to celebrate the Army’s birthday without blowing it all on a parade.”
In light of the event, several protests are being planned by groups aligned with the Democratic party, not only surrounding the parade but also in relation to broader issues such as immigration policies.
The NBC News Decision Desk Poll reflects a significant sentiment across the nation, showcasing the political divide regarding the allocation of government funds for celebrations linked with military displays.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/poll-americans-disapprove-spending-public-funds-put-military-parade-wa-rcna212779
