President Donald Trump is hosting a high-profile celebration this weekend in Washington, D.C., marking both his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event promises a dramatic spectacle, featuring tanks, warplanes, and a multimillion-dollar military parade along the National Mall. However, according to Politico, most congressional Republicans are opting to skip the festivities.
Out of 50 GOP lawmakers surveyed by the outlet, only six confirmed they would remain in Washington to attend the Saturday event. The absentees include top Republicans from both the House and Senate, including many who oversee defense and military policy. Notably, the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will also be absent.
“Instead, they’ll attend a different air show, the annual defense industry confab in Paris,” Politico reported Tuesday. Other Republican lawmakers cited personal and scheduling reasons for their absences. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) stated he would be in Alabama campaigning for governor. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) told Politico, “I choose to be married,” explaining that the date coincides with his wedding anniversary.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) said he would be celebrating his daughter’s 18th birthday. Several GOP senators with military backgrounds are also skipping the event. These include Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Todd Young (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Tim Sheehy (R-MN), all of whom are veterans.
Still, the celebration won’t be without support. A handful of Trump’s most loyal allies in Congress have confirmed their attendance. Among them are Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and other prominent MAGA Republicans, including Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Corey Mills (R-FL), Lisa McClain (R-MI), John McGuire (R-VA), and Rich McCormick (R-GA).
The White House has brushed off concerns about the widespread GOP absence. A spokesperson emphasized that Trump will be joined by high-ranking military leaders, at least 15 Cabinet members, and “thousands of patriotic Americans.” As anticipation builds for the parade, Trump issued a stern warning to potential protesters on Tuesday, declaring that any disruptions at the event would be met with a “very big force.”
While the parade aims to showcase patriotism and military strength, the lack of widespread Republican participation highlights ongoing divisions within the party — and signals that not every Republican is ready to rally behind Trump’s high-profile return to the national stage.