Defense Secretary Jim Mattis defended President Trump on Wednesday after he came under fire for asking the Pentagon to plan a military parade in Washington, claiming the president’s ask demonstrates his “affection and respect” for America’s troops.

“I think we’re all aware in this country of the president’s affection and respect for the military,” Mattis told reporters during a rare public briefing. “We’ve been putting together some options [and] we’ll send them up to the White House for a decision.”