Trump Celebrates Birthday at $45 Million Military Parade
On June 14, President Donald Trump marked his 79th birthday with a grand military parade in Washington, DC. The event honored the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. Trump, First Lady Melania, family members, and top officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attended the spectacle.

Military Might on Full Display
Trump walked out to the tunes of Hail to the Chief and Happy Birthday. The parade showcased over 6,000 uniformed soldiers in historic costumes, tanks, aircraft spanning decades, and parachuters landing from the sky. The event traced the Army’s history from the Revolutionary War to today. This marked the largest gathering of U.S. troops since the 1991 Gulf War.

Trump’s Speech and Fireworks
At the parade’s end, Trump delivered an eight-minute speech. He said, “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.” He added, “We’re the hottest country in the world right now. If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you.” Afterward, a massive fireworks display lit up the Tidal Basin.

Attendance Figures Questioned
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung claimed that over 250,000 “patriots showed up” despite rain threats. However, many attendees and media outlets like the Associated Press, New York Times, and Fox News questioned this number. Social media buzzed with criticism, calling the turnout poor.

One Twitter user joked, “Bro said ‘display of military might.’ I see lawn chairs and a Bluetooth speaker.” Another said, “More people in the parade than at the parade.” Many felt sorry for the troops, labeling the event a costly waste, with estimates between $25 million and $45 million.

Protests and Political Tensions
The parade coincided with nationwide protests by the “No Kings” movement. Demonstrators in Philadelphia and other cities condemned the event as costly and “un-American.” They criticized Trump’s immigration policies and authoritarian tendencies.

Trump threatened to respond with a “very big force,” but Cheung mocked the protesters’ turnout on Twitter as an “utter failure with minuscule attendance.” He accused Democrats of siding with “criminals and illegals” instead of honoring the military.

Trump’s Long-Held Dream
Trump revealed he had wanted a military parade since his first term in 2017 but faced opposition from his own administration. Finally, he made it happen on his birthday, despite controversy.