Fact-Check Summary
Donald Trump’s post claims that the planned military parade in Washington, D.C. will take place “rain or shine” and suggests that rain on the day of the parade “brings good luck.” According to reliable event information, the parade was indeed scheduled to proceed regardless of rain, with the notable exception of possible postponements if lightning posed a safety risk. The notion that rain at a parade brings good luck is not supported by any established tradition or idiom; in fact, the related saying “rain on your parade” has a negative connotation. While some cultures regard rain as fortuitous at weddings, there is no cultural precedent for such optimism about rain at parades.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The post merges a demonstrably factual logistical detail (the parade happening regardless of rain) with an unfounded superstition (rain brings good luck to a parade). The latter misleads the public by fabricating positivity without basis, which is inconsistent with democratic values of truthfulness and transparency. Additionally, the context of mounting security measures and warnings against protest, as reported, raises concerns about inclusiveness and respect for free expression—core tenets of a fair democratic society.
Opinion
Blending official logistics and wishful superstition may seem harmless, but it sets a dangerous precedent when coming from a political leader—creating a haze around facts at a time when clarity is essential. Attempting to reframe weather inconveniences as “good luck” might distract from public scrutiny of the parade’s cost, heightened security, and the right to dissent. In democracy, public officials must prioritize facts, especially when addressing controversial or costly initiatives.
TLDR
Trump’s claim about a “rainy day parade” bringing good luck is unsupported by cultural tradition or fact. While the parade did proceed despite weather, using superstition to gloss over logistical or political controversies does not serve democratic discourse or public interest.
Claim: Trump stated, “A rainy day parade brings good luck. I’ll see you all in D.C.”
Fact: The parade proceeded “rain or shine,” but the idea that rain brings good luck to parades is not based on any cultural tradition or historical fact. The only relevant idiom—“rain on your parade”—actually implies the opposite.
Opinion: While optimism is commendable, political leaders must refrain from spreading feel-good myths that lack factual basis, especially in the context of polarizing or controversial public events. Truth and transparency are foundational to a free and inclusive democracy.