Paris( CNN) First it was a second-place replacement for his own grand military parade. Then it was a stately gesture to illustrate an alliance he's done little to cultivate. After a midterm election drubbing, it was an opportunity to retreat and regroup.
And it was decidedly gloomier than the procession of tanks and troops Trump originally envisaged rolling through Washington on this date more than a year ago.
Attending the 2017 Bastille Day parade at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, Trump was dazzled by the soldiers, armored tanks and fighter jets that painted the French sky red, white and blue — and informed high-ranking defense officials upon his return that he wanted a parade of his own in Washington.
