Donald Trump organized a military parade on Saturday (14) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, a date that coincides with Flag Day and the Republican’s 79th birthday.
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Despite the grand celebration, many social media users and journalists called the parade “disappointing.” The event reportedly cost between $25 million and $45 million.
Cameras captured the moment Donald Trump appeared to be struggling to stay awake during his own tribute.
“He spent public money on a parade he found completely boring and was forced to sit through. Incredible,” wrote one X user.
The U.S. President was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, his family, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other officials.
The show featured tanks, flags, and paratroopers falling from the sky, with over 6,000 uniformed soldiers. Donald Trump entered to the sound of “Hail to the Chief” and “Happy Birthday.”
The expected audience was around 200,000 people, but according to journalists, the actual turnout was “far from” what had been anticipated.
“He said it was a ‘show of military strength.’ All I see are beach chairs and a Bluetooth speaker,” joked one attendee. Donald Trump also gave an eight-minute speech to the crowd.
“All other countries celebrate their victories. It was about time the U.S. did the same. We’re the hottest country in the world right now. If you threaten the American people, our soldiers will come after you,” he said.
Trump’s birthday parade was compared to the “No Kings” protests, which gathered crowds across the U.S. “This parade could’ve been an email,” wrote a TikTok user.
Photos: X @SegravesNBC4 and @AdamJSchwarz. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Trump looking absolutely inconsolable at his fascist-themed 79th birthday party which no one turned up to other than those who had to because he’s their boss. pic.twitter.com/3BqYLrn8f0
— Adam Schwarz (@AdamJSchwarz) June 14, 2025
