Donald Trump, the US president, has asked the Pentagon to organise a large-scale military parade in Washington, a plan criticised as evidence of creeping authoritarianism.

Democrats questioned the symbolism of a large-scale military parade, suggesting the events were a relic of a bygone era, as well as the potential cost.

Jim McGovern, a Democratic congressman, called the plans an "absurd waste of money," adding, "Trump acts more like dictator than president. Americans deserve better."