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.
Parade kicks off
Welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of the military parade occurring in Washington D.C. to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary – also coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday
President arrives to watch festivities on his birthday
President Donald Trump has arrived at the military parade to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are watching from the stands on a dark and cloudy evening in Washington, D.C.
The president waved to the crowd and pumped his fist as people chanted “USA! USA!”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is standing beside the president as more than 6,000 troops are marching near the National Mall.
Watch live: Trump holds Army’s 250th anniversary parade on his birthday
Military aircrafts fly by Washington monument
Military airplanes and helicopters began circling the Washington Monument at the start of the military parade, despite some impending bad weather.
Golden Knights Parachute Team touches down at parade
Vice President JD Vance and family attend military parade
Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, brought their children to the military parade in Washington, D.C. on a rainy Saturday.
‘Barracuda’ plays while tanks role in
While U.S. Army tanks rolled into the military parade, Heart’s famous song “Barracuda” played,
Nancy Wilson, an original member of Heart, has said the song is about “a real sleazeball” and is “even more relevant” now “in the salacious billionaire culture with the grab-them-by-the-p***y” mentality.”
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Parade shows off Army uniforms through history
Part of Saturday’s parade is showing off the U.S. Army’s uniforms and transportation throughout history.
Down the parade route, soldiers walked to showcase different uniforms from the Revolutionary War era through modern day.
Anti-Trump protests continue while parade goes on
Protesters in opposition to President Donald Trump’s extensive use of executive authority are continuing to voice opposition in Washington D.C., while the president watches the military parade.
Police are containing the protesters outside the parade’s security perimeter.
Outside of D.C., anti-Trump protesters have gathered in major cities across the country for “No Kings Day” to protest the administration.
