Fox News’ National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported that Pentagon officials did not believe reports that President Donald Trump actually wanted a military parade in Washington, DC during a Wednesday interview with Shepard Smith.

“The Pentagon is planning a military parade after President Trump asked for one, that’s the word from one U.S. defense official,” explained Fox News anchor Shepard Smith.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Trump was enchanted by the Bastille Day Military Parade along the Champs-Elysées during a July visit to Paris. The parade has been held annually since 1880.

“On the plane ride home, he said he was dazzled by the show of military hardware and wondered it aloud and repeatedly since then as to why the U.S. does not have a military parade along Pennsylvania Avenue,” Griffin reported. “The defense secretary and others realized at that Pentagon meeting in January, that the president’s musings were serious and ordered to start planning.”

“At the inauguration, President Trump was disappointed that he could have a full military parade with tanks and other symbols of American power to mark his ascent to the presidency,” Griffin continued. “At the time, he was dissuaded because the tank treads would tear up Pennsylvania Avenue, Shep.”

“I would describe, however, the reaction at the Pentagon yesterday when this story broke as a collective eye roll from military leaders who I’ve spoken to,” Griffin reported.

“Most thought it was a joke at first,” Griffin explained. “Many fear that the U.S. will look like the dictators that they scoff at around the world.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch: