The recent military parade in Washington, D.C., held in honor of former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, was a grand display of American military history. Tanks, aircraft, and soldiers dressed in uniforms from various eras showcased the evolution of the U.S. Army—from the Revolutionary War to the present day. It was the largest military gathering in the capital since the 1991 Gulf War. An intimate moment between Trump and Melania caught viewers’ attention, with lip-readers capturing Trump warmly saying “Thank you, baby” to the First Lady. However, the interaction also included a strange exchange in which Trump allegedly claimed to have “pushed [his] finger on one of them,” confusing many observers. During his eight-minute speech, Trump emphasized patriotism, declaring the U.S. “the hottest country in the world right now.”

Despite Trump and the White House touting an attendance of over 250,000, several media outlets, including the Associated Press and Fox News, reported a significantly smaller turnout. Trump nonetheless celebrated the event as a fulfillment of a long-held ambition. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Washington and other cities, with demonstrators under the “No Kings” banner criticizing the event as militaristic and authoritarian. They also condemned recent immigration enforcement actions that included National Guard and Marine deployments in Los Angeles and widespread ICE raids. Critics described the parade and accompanying crackdowns as a misuse of national power and a distraction from civil rights concerns.