US Politics
Trump military parade recap: President celebrates 79th birthday with DC parade and massive firework display
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
Ariana Baio14 June 2025 23:47
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.
Rhian Lubin14 June 2025 23:49
Ariana Baio14 June 2025 23:56
Watch live: Trump holds Army’s 250th anniversary parade on his birthday
Ariana Baio14 June 2025 23:58
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.
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:03
Golden Knights Parachute Team touches down at parade
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:06
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.
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:18
‘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.”
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:20
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.
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:30
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.
Ariana Baio15 June 2025 00:39