As thousands sing “Happy Birthday” at downtown Washington Army parade, critics accuse Trump of using military tribute as personal celebration.
Washington, D.C., June 15:
President Donald Trump marked his 79th birthday with a moment of high symbolism and rising controversy as he wrapped up a U.S. Army commemoration parade in downtown Washington. The event, held along U.S. Route 50, drew thousands of supporters—and critics—on Saturday as Trump was presented with a folded U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol earlier in the day.
In an unscripted moment, as Trump concluded his speech and invited First Lady Melania Trump to the dais, the crowd erupted into an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The president smiled, placing his hand over his heart, before accepting the ceremonial flag from a young Army officer, who represented the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team.
“This flag flew over the U.S. Capitol today in honor of the Army’s 250th anniversary,” the officer said as Trump accepted the tribute with visible emotion.
Tribute or Vanity Parade? Critics Weigh In
While the moment appeared deeply patriotic to supporters, it drew fierce backlash from opponents and political commentators, who accused the former president of turning a national military celebration into a personal spectacle.
“I’m horrified by the parade,” said Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a long-time Trump critic, during a recent podcast.
“This is not about honoring our military. It’s a military vanity show for a president who’s long wanted to have tanks rolling down the streets of our nation’s capital.”
Critics have argued that the coinciding of the parade and Trump’s birthday blurred the lines between state and self-celebration. They pointed to Trump’s previous requests, dating back to his first term in office, to hold military parades modeled on events in authoritarian countries.
Parade and Symbolism
Despite the pushback, Trump supporters defended the celebration as a long-overdue tribute to the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and said the parade served as a powerful reminder of American strength and tradition. Tanks, artillery, and active-duty troops marched down Constitution Avenue, offering a rare sight in modern America.
Trump stood on an elevated platform behind bulletproof glass, flanked by cabinet members, military officials, and his wife. When the birthday serenade began, he momentarily stepped away from the microphone to absorb the moment.
“Every other country celebrates their military,” Trump said during his address. “It’s about time America did too.”
The folded flag, delivered with precision and solemnity, served as the symbolic climax of the ceremony.