It wasn’t just another birthday for Donald Trump this weekend—it was a full-blown spectacle in the heart of the U.S. capital.
On Saturday evening, the streets of Washington, D.C. filled with tanks, troops, and celebrations for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
But what really stole the spotlight? Trump himself—turning 79 amid military parades, protests, political praise, and even a surprise call from Vladimir Putin.
Melania Steps Out in Style as Rain Begins to Fall
Despite forecasts warning of thunderstorms, the weather held off long enough for the parade to kick off—though light rain began falling just as the former president and First Lady Melania Trump arrived.
Melania opted for a cream pinstripe suit for the occasion, making a sleek appearance alongside her husband.
Crowds sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump after the national anthem, blending the Army’s milestone with the former president’s personal celebration.
Critics Slam the Parade, Trump Defends the Cost
While the event drew admiration from many supporters, it also stirred up criticism over its hefty price tag.
Trump dismissed the concerns, saying much of the funding came from himself and private donors.
“Not that it’s necessary because I think it’s a great expenditure,” he added.
Protesters across the country organized what they dubbed “No Kings” rallies, accusing Trump of turning the parade into a display of authoritarianism.
Authorities in Minnesota even urged locals to avoid protests, warning they could become targets of violence after a recent shooting incident linked to the demonstrations.
Democrat Senator Fetterman Backs Trump’s Parade
One of the more surprising voices to praise the parade came from across the aisle—Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
Known for breaking from party lines, Fetterman called the celebration a reflection of “the very best of us.”
He’s previously dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and hasn’t shied away from praising him when he sees fit.
Tanks, Flyovers, and a Dog Named Doc Holliday
It wasn’t just about politics—there were also tanks, vintage military gear, and even a star-studded lineup of… animals.
A two-year-old Blue Heeler named Private Doc Holliday from the 1st Cavalry Division made a much-talked-about appearance.
Named after the Wild West gunslinger, Doc charmed the crowd as one of the parade’s most unexpected VIPs.
The celebration also featured parachute jumps, flyovers, and World War II-era B-25 bombers.
To close it all out, MAGA favorite Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA” before a fireworks display lit up the D.C. skyline.
Why Trump’s Been Chasing a Parade Since 2017
Trump’s fascination with military parades goes back to his first term.
Inspired by France’s Bastille Day celebration in 2017, he pushed for something similar stateside.
Cost concerns halted those plans—mainly worries about tank damage to D.C.’s roads
. Instead, he moved the annual Fourth of July celebration to the Lincoln Memorial in 2019, where he displayed tanks and welcomed military aircraft flyovers.
Saturday’s parade was meant to be a kickoff to the 250th birthday celebration of the United States, which culminates in 2026.
The Army, after all, was founded in 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
Fireworks in the Sky, War Tensions on the Ground
The only thing threatening to upstage the celebration? Global conflict.
With rising tensions between Israel and Iran—and fears of a broader war—Trump’s grand parade was shadowed by geopolitical unease.
Still, Trump insisted on pushing forward. “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE,” he posted online, correcting a spelling error in a second post.
If lightning had struck the area, Pentagon officials said the event might have been delayed—but it went on as planned.
Putin Phones In a Birthday Call Amid War Talk
In a surprising moment, Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin called him that morning—not just to wish him a happy birthday, but also to talk about Iran.
Trump shared the update on Truth Social, suggesting the call centered on the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“He knows Iran very well,” Trump said of Putin.
Veterans Arrested for Protesting Parade Near Capitol
Not everyone welcomed the event. On Friday evening, a group of U.S. veterans gathered near the Capitol to protest the upcoming parade.
They were arrested by authorities, becoming part of a growing number of voices expressing discomfort with the military display and what they see as Trump’s use of national pride for personal political theater.
What’s Next for Trump’s 250th Celebration?
Saturday’s parade is just the beginning. Trump has promised that the 250th anniversary of the United States—on July 4, 2026—will be one of the biggest national celebrations in American history.
If this weekend’s display is any indication, the road to 2026 will be paved with spectacle, symbolism, and likely more political drama.