Everyone’s saying the same thing after seeing how
President Donald Trump marked his 79th birthday on June 14 with a lavish \$45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event featured tanks, aircraft, and over 6,000 soldiers in historic uniforms. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania and key officials, delivered a speech celebrating military strength and American pride, followed by a grand fireworks show. The White House claimed over 250,000 people attended, though several major news outlets and social media users cast doubt on that number, pointing to sparse crowds in photos.
Many criticized the parade as excessive and wasteful, with some attendees describing it as underwhelming. Critics took to social media, joking that the setup resembled a theme park booth more than a national celebration. Protesters from the “No Kings” movement organized demonstrations nationwide, opposing what they called Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the cost of the event. Trump had long expressed a desire for such a parade since his first term, but the turnout and reaction suggest a mixed public reception. The White House responded to criticism by accusing opponents of ignoring military sacrifices in favor of political agendas.