A new survey reveals that while a majority of U.S. adults approve of President Trump’s decision to hold a military parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, about 6 in 10 Americans believe the event is not a good use of government funds. The festivities, costing tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, have sparked mixed reactions among the public.
Notably, about 4 in 10 adults strongly or somewhat approve of the parade, while a similar percentage disapprove. The event, featuring hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft, has garnered support from most Republicans but faces criticism from Democrats and independents who view it as an inefficient use of public money.
Individual sentiments vary, with some like Carol Sue Quillen seeing the parade as a meaningful tribute to service members, while others, such as Matt Wheeler, view it as wasteful and potentially sending the wrong message. Concerns about the additional funding for military-related activities, given the country’s overall defense spending, have also been raised by citizens like Sam Walters.
The article also highlights the public’s divided opinions on military spending, with about equal proportions believing the government is allocating too much, too little, or the right amount to the military. Despite the varying perspectives on the parade, President Trump’s approval rating remains steady at around 40%, with higher approval for his handling of immigration compared to the economy or trade negotiations.