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Parade of Priorities: What Would Jesus Say About Trump's Military Display?

 

 

TL;DR

Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose a proposed military parade by President Donald Trump, citing concerns about its cost and purpose. Jesus would likely counsel against such a lavish display, prioritizing humility, service, and the needs of the people over ostentatious shows of power.

 

What's Happening

President Donald Trump's idea of a large-scale military parade has once again come under scrutiny, with recent polls revealing significant public disapproval. A new AP-NORC poll shows that most U.S. adults believe such an event would not be a good use of taxpayer money. Concerns center on the projected high cost, estimated to be in the tens of millions, and the perception that it would serve as a political display rather than a genuine tribute to the armed forces. Critics argue that these funds could be better allocated to support military families, veterans' services, or other pressing national needs. The concept of a grand military parade, often associated with authoritarian regimes, has consistently faced opposition in the United States, with many viewing it as contrary to the nation's democratic values and the humble spirit of its military.

 

Cited:

• https://bylinetimes.com/2025/06/12/raining-on-his-parade-trumps-military-blunder/
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-military-parade-poll-cost-b2768921.html

• https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5346643-military-parade-cost-disapproval-ap-norc-poll/

• https://www.dailypress.com/2025/06/12/trump-military-parade-poll/
• https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-parade-army-poll-birthday-dc2352f07b77df2f56ca8b8084a4b4d2
• https://www.local10.com/news/politics/2025/06/12/most-us-adults-say-trumps-military-parade-is-not-a-good-use-of-money-a-new-poll-finds/

 

What Would Jesus Do? (maybe)*

In assessing the proposed military parade, Jesus would likely echo the wisdom found in Scripture, focusing on humility and true devotion rather than outward spectacle. He might remind us of His words in Matthew 6:1, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven." A lavish parade, with its focus on human might and grand display, could be seen as seeking the praise of people rather than honoring God or genuinely serving the nation's people. Furthermore, Jesus consistently emphasized caring for the poor and needy. In Matthew 25:40, He states, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The millions of dollars allocated for such an event could instead be used to alleviate suffering, provide for veterans, or strengthen communities, reflecting a true act of service and compassion. A humble spirit, as encouraged in Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?", would lead one to prioritize the genuine well-being of the people over ostentatious displays of power.

 

All WWJD.today summaries are generated by AI and based on the Christian Standard Bible second edition and select theological texts.