On what should have been a festive day for America’s military, the political temperature on social media flared just as hot as the fireworks in the sky.
As President Donald Trump celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a grand parade in Washington, D.C., Hillary Clinton tried to throw shade from the sidelines — but the internet wasn’t having it.
Parade Weather Holds, But the Online Storm Erupts
Despite concerns about thunderstorms, Trump’s big event on the National Mall went off without a hitch.
The rain held back long enough for military flyovers, parachute drops, and a vibrant fireworks show.
But while the skies over D.C. cleared, Clinton stirred up a different kind of storm online.
The former Secretary of State took a dig at the event by posting side-by-side photos comparing Trump’s parade to massive liberal-led “No Kings Day” protests across U.S. cities.
Her caption? A not-so-subtle jab: “Compare and contrast scenes from yesterday in America.
On the one hand, Trump’s low-energy Dear Leader parade (that cost you $45 million). On the other, millions… saying: Here, we have no kings.”
Clinton Faces Instant Backlash for Shutting Down Replies
The post instantly caught fire — and not in the way Clinton hoped.
Many criticized her not just for the message but for disabling replies on the tweet, a move that drew accusations of cowardice and elitism.
“She hates the troops, bigtime,” wrote one user.
Another echoed, “Hillary Clinton hates everything about America!” Others brought back old controversies, with several commenters referencing the 2012 Benghazi attacks and the infamous private email server investigation.
One user simply asked: “Do you think Hillary hates our military?” The comment section was quick to revive Republican grievances over her time in the Obama administration, especially the GOP-led Benghazi hearings and her so-called “homebrew” email server.
A ‘Deplorable’ Echo from 2016 Returns
Many critics didn’t forget Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark from the 2016 campaign trail — when she labeled half of Trump supporters as racist, sexist, xenophobic, or otherwise bigoted.
Though she later admitted that was a “grossly generalistic” comment and said she regretted parts of it, the damage clearly lingered.
Several users invoked that moment to paint her current post as out-of-touch and divisive.
Clinton’s Supporters Cheer, But Skepticism Remains
To be fair, not everyone piled on. Some Clinton supporters praised her for the tweet, thanking her for “speaking truth” and throwing well-timed political shade.
“We didn’t need to be paid to protest,” one supporter wrote.
“We hate him for free!” Another cheered, “I love you for doing this, Hillary! The shade of it all!”
But even among her base, some questioned the strategy.
Others used the moment to cast doubt on the 2024 election results — with one commenter oddly suggesting Kamala Harris was the rightful winner, despite her not even being on the presidential ticket.
Trump Keeps It Short but Stirring at the Parade
Back on the ground in Washington, Trump delivered a rare eight-minute speech — short by his standards, but filled with patriotic firepower.
“There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of the U.S. military,” he said, earning loud cheers from the crowd scattered across the National Mall.
The event, which doubled as a 79th birthday celebration for Trump, went off largely without disruptions.
Though there were fears of protests or violent clashes, most “No Kings” demonstrators in D.C. kept things calm, quietly holding signs or chanting from a distance.
Melania Shines, Family and Friends Show Up
First Lady Melania Trump made a stylish entrance in a cream pinstripe suit as she joined her husband in the viewing box.
The couple was flanked by family — Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany Trump — along with a few familiar faces like UFC boss Dana White and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The parade itself marched through American military history, with period uniforms and equipment on display.
Attendance wasn’t as packed as Trump’s usual campaign rallies, but those who showed up had space to enjoy the show — and wait in long lines for the food trucks lining the National Mall.
Fireworks, Patriotic Tunes, and a Peaceful Close
As the sun set, the event ended with a dazzling fireworks display synchronized to classic American anthems.
Despite all the noise online, the night in D.C. wrapped up quietly, with patriotic energy still echoing above the monument-lined skyline.