Trump military parade recap: President celebrates 79th birthday with DC parade and massive firework display
Trump spent his 79th birthday attending a military parade in Washington DC
President Donald Trump spent his 79th birthday attending a military parade dedicated to celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
First walking out to a mix of “Hail to the Chief” and “Happy Birthday,” the president took his seat in the viewing gallery alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other officials.
Saturday’s parade was a rare moment for the U.S. – putting the strength of the military on full view with tanks, aircrafts, and soldiers walking through the nation’s capital for all to see. The last time American troops were on this kind of display was after the Gulf War in 1991.
Thousands of parade attendees gathered around the capital, which was under tight security, to witness the historic moment. At the same time, protesters around the country gathered in major cities to oppose Trump’s controversial use of his executive power.
The president concluded the parade by addressing the crowd of attendees and military personnel, boasting about the strength of the U.S. Army and the nation as a whole.
After, Trump took his seat and watched a massive fireworks display over the Tidal Basin.
Tanks head down Constitution Avenue
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Who’s sitting with Donald Trump?
Trump is sitting alongside some of his cabinet members, close allies and family members. Here’s a list of who was seen.
First Lady Melania Trump
Vice President JD Vance
Second Lady Usha Vance
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
Secretary of Homeland Security Krisi Noem
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
Senator Joni Ernst
Representative Ronny Jackson
Eric Trump and Lara Trump
Steve Witkoff
Walt Nauta
Crowds of people gather to watch the parade
Trump enlists cadets as an end parade
The military parade is wrapping up, and part of its finale was President Donald Trump administering the U.S. Army Oath of Enlistment.
Cadets from West Point, Virginia Military Institute, and the Citadel marched in front of the viewing stage and gave their oath to the president.
“Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life,” Trump said.
Singer Warren Zeiders plays out the parade
At the conclusion of the parade, singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders is performing.
Skies are looking ominous – the weather calls for thunderstorms and rain.
Watch: Trump's military parade marches in DC amid protests
'Future' of US Army features robot dogs
Parade marchers appeared in historical order, with the “future” of the U.S. Army coming in last – featuring robotic dogs.
Trump emphasizes strength of military in speech
Trump is now giving a speech to the U.S. Army and attendees, thanking veterans for their service and emphasizing the strength of the U.S. Army.
The president boasted Army members “fight, fight, fight” and “win, win, win.”
Trump calls America 'hottest country right now'
In his remarks, the president flexed, “We’re the hottest country in the world right now.”
Lee Greenwood give rendition of his signature song
Lee Greenwood sang his signature song, “God Bless the USA” to close out the parade festivities.
The song has become closely associated with Trump because the president played it at nearly every single campaign stop and rally.
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