Donald Trump marked his 79th birthday with a $45 million military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The event featured tanks, aircraft, and 6,000 soldiers in historical uniforms—the largest such display since the 1991 Gulf War. Trump, who had long desired a military parade, declared, *”If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,”* before a fireworks finale. However, critics questioned the White House’s claim of 250,000 attendees, with reports suggesting a much smaller crowd.
The lavish spectacle drew backlash, with many calling it a wasteful “recruiting booth” display. Protesters under the “No Kings” banner organized counter-demonstrations, condemning the parade as authoritarian and costly. While Trump’s team dismissed the protests as a “failure,” the event highlighted deep divisions over his leadership style and priorities. The parade fulfilled a long-held Trump ambition but sparked debate over its expense and symbolism.
