Who doesn't love a parade? To a city that already offers many, US President Donald Trump wants to add one that showcases US military might.

Key points: Emmanuel Macron hosted Donald Trump at this year's Bastille Day parade

Emmanuel Macron hosted Donald Trump at this year's Bastille Day parade Mr Trump says he wants US parade to be bigger than France's

Mr Trump says he wants US parade to be bigger than France's President says he has discussed plans with his chief of staff

It would take place on July 4 in Washington with, as Mr Trump envisions it, tanks and planes rolling down and streaking above Pennsylvania Avenue.

Mr Trump talked up the idea as he sat down for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday.

The French leader hosted Mr Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for France's military parade in the centre of Paris on Bastille Day in July.

Mr Trump said the two-hour procession was a "tremendous thing for France and for the spirit of France" and suggested he wants the same for Americans.

In typical Trump fashion, the President said he wants the parade to be bigger and better than the one he saw in France.

"It was one of the greatest parades I have ever seen," Mr Trump said.

"It was two hours on the button, and was military might, and I think a tremendous thing for France and the spirit of France.

"And to a large extent, because of what I witnessed, we may do something like that on July 4th in Washington, down Pennsylvania Avenue.

"We're going to have to try and top it."

Emmanuel Macron hosted Donald Trump and Melania Trump at this year's Bastille Day parade. ( AP: Christophe Archambault (pool) )

He noted that France's parade featured representatives from different wars and armed forces wearing different uniforms.

"It was really so well done," Mr trump said.

"So we're actually thinking about 4th of July, Pennsylvania Avenue, having a really great parade to show our military strength."

Pennsylvania Avenue asphalt could pose problem

Mr Trump watched enthusiastically from a reviewing stand on July 14 as the French military showcased its tanks and fighter jets, including many US-made planes, along the famed Champs-Elysees.

The occasion also marked the 100th anniversary of the US entrance into World War I.

The US spends $880 billion a year on its military. ( Supplied: Ben Bohane )

Mr Trump said he has discussed the parade idea with his chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired Marine general.

The President, who has recruited three current and retired generals for his senior leadership team, also noted that the US spends $US700 billion ($880 billion) on the military.

Washington already holds quite a few parades, including some with military participation that are held on Memorial Day and July 4.

But those patriotic processions typically involve marching bands and uniformed elements, not the grand display of military hardware that Mr Trump envisions.

One thing Mr Trump may want to consider: the damage a tank could do to the asphalt as it rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue.

AP