GOP senator on military parade: When you’re the most powerful nation, you don’t have to show it off

Rep. John Kennedy (R-La.) on Wednesday voiced opposition to President Trump’s proposed military parade, saying the U.S. doesn’t need to “show off” its military power.

“I think confidence is silent and insecurity is loud,” Kennedy told reporters. “America is the most powerful country in all of human history; you don’t need to show it off.”

The White House and Pentagon confirmed reports that Trump directed officials to plan a military parade. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea in public and privately.

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After witnessing Bastille Day celebrations in Paris last summer, Trump said he wanted a parade to “show our military strength.” He reportedly told officials that he wants a celebration “like the one in France.”

Opponents of the idea have warned that it would make the U.S. look “totalitarian,” and have compared the idea to the massive military displays held in Russia and North Korea.

“We’re not North Korea, we’re not Russia and we’re not China, and I don’t want to be,” Kennedy said. “And for that reason I would be against flaunting our strength. We don’t need to; everybody knows we have it.”

Kennedy joins a growing chorus of voices from both sides of the aisle who are voicing criticism over the prospect of holding a military parade in the nation’s capital. Some Republicans have backed the idea, though have urged caution.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that he would support a parade that focuses on people, not “hardware.”

“I don’t mind having a parade honoring the service and sacrifice of our military members,” Graham told CNN. “I’m not looking for a Soviet-style hardware display. That’s not who we are, it’s kind of cheesy and I think it shows weakness, quite frankly.”

Officials have said they are in the process of determining “specific details” for the parade, which will reportedly likely be held around Veterans Day.