Pentagon rains on parade: Trump’s long-desired military extravaganza is postponed after US$92 million cost revelation
The postponement from November until next year came after it was revealed costs had tripled
A military parade ordered by US President Donald Trump for later this year has been postponed until at least 2019, a defence official announced on Thursday, after it was revealed that costs for the extravagant event had tripled to US$92 million.
“The Department of Defence and White House have been planning a parade to honour America’s military veterans and commemorate the centennial of first world war,” said Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning.
Hours earlier, officials said costs had blown out to US$92 million. Roughly US$50 million would cover Pentagon costs for aircraft, equipment, personnel and other support for the parade in Washington. The remainder would be borne by other agencies and largely involve security costs.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss early planning estimates that had not yet been finalised or released publicly.
Officials said the plans had not yet been approved by Defence Secretary James Mattis.
The parade’s cost has become a politically charged issue, particularly after the Pentagon cancelled a major military exercise planned for August with South Korea, in the wake of Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.