Trump Honors 'Fighting Spirit' of U.S. Armed Forces at Grand Washington Military Parade

 The parade coincided with the president's 79th birthday.

Trump Hails U.S. Military's "Fighting Spirit" During Grand Parade Marking Armed Forces' 250th Anniversary

President Donald Trump praised the "fighting spirit and unyielding force" of the U.S. military during a massive parade in Washington, D.C., held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American armed services. The event featured an impressive show of military strength stretching across the National Mall and coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.

The celebration included a procession of 84 military vehicles—among them, 28 Abrams tanks—alongside 6,700 marching service members. The parade, which began early at 6 p.m. due to forecasted storms, moved through downtown Washington under tight security. Heightened precautions followed recent global tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict and nationwide immigration protests, as well as a same-day shooting targeting Minnesota legislators.

While the parade unfolded in D.C., protests on the West Coast gained momentum. In Los Angeles, demonstrations as part of the "No Kings Day" movement began peacefully but escalated as police clashed with crowds pushing against barricades downtown.

Despite the politically charged climate, Trump’s remarks remained focused on honoring the military, steering clear of ongoing controversies. “Today we commemorate a date that did not just change America's history but the history of the entire world,” he said, referring to the U.S. Army’s founding.

He lauded the military’s legacy and delivered a stark message to America’s adversaries: “It has done so much and set the devil himself flying into full retreat… Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final. And your downfall will be total and complete.”

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump viewed the event from a stand near the White House, where Trump saluted troops as they passed. Some in the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" and wore MAGA hats in celebration.

Prominent administration figures attended, including Vice President JD Vance—a Marine veteran—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other Cabinet members such as Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, Susie Wiles, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Howard Lutnick.

The parade featured military uniforms representing major American conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror. Trump received a U.S. flag from a soldier who parachuted onto the White House Ellipse and personally administered the oath of enlistment to approximately 250 new Army recruits.

“Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life,” Trump said following the swearing-in ceremony.

Asked what message he hoped the public would take from the event, Trump responded, “How great our country is—very simple—and how strong our military is. We have the strongest military in the world.”

The day concluded with a fireworks display over the Tidal Basin. According to the Army, the parade's cost ranged between $25 million and $45 million.

A recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that roughly 60% of Americans believe the parade was not a good use of government funds. Democratic leaders also voiced sharp criticism, with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) saying, “This is not consistent with what the men and women in uniform deserve.”

The parade came on the heels of massive nationwide protests under the banner "No Kings Day," with hundreds of thousands rallying in cities from coast to coast against administration policies, particularly immigration enforcement.

Trump downplayed the protests, saying, “I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved... No, we're not a king at all.”