Donald Trump asks Pentagon to stage grand military parade through Washington

'I want a parade like the one in France'

Donald Trump has asked the Pentagon to hold a military parade, showcasing America’s martial might in the type of display Mr Trump has publicly praised.

The White House said in a statement that Mr Trump had asked the Department of Defence “to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation”, confirming a report in the Washington Post.

“President Trump is incredibly supportive of America's great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

The proposal was also verified by the Pentagon, with a spokesman saying “We are aware of the request and are in the process of determining specific details”.

The President has repeatedly expressed admiration after being witnessing of military strength in other countries, calling a procession in China “magnificent” and a Bastille Day parade in France “one of the greatest parades I've ever seen”.

“Because of what I witnessed, we may do something like that on July 4th in Washington, down Pennsylvania Avenue,” Mr Trump said during a September press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.

France's spectacle in particular inspired the President, according to an unnamed official who told the Post that “This is being worked at the highest levels of the military”.

“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” the official said.

While Mr Trump has shown enthusiasm for such demonstrations of martial strength, they are historically rare in America.