WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio wasn’t exactly on the edge of his seat during President Donald Trump’s grand military parade in Washington, DC, this Saturday, June 14.
The event was meant to be a double-feature celebration — marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army and the MAGA leader’s 79th birthday — but it quickly turned into a sleepy, overcast affair.
Meanwhile, Rubio raised eyebrows over his conduct at the stands. Slouched in his seat, arm casually tossed over the back of his chair, he let out a big yawn.
Melania Trump also appeared to doze off during military parade
Thanks to the moody June weather, the parade had to start about 30 minutes early. Cloudy skies meant a number of flyover shows were scrapped.
A number of top White House officials looked visibly worn down halfway through the event. First lady Melania Trump also seemed like she was on the verge of dozing off. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Linda McMahon was spotted beside Rubio wearing a stone-cold expression.
Trump tried to power through with his signature grin, seated high up with his cabinet and saluting every passing unit. But even he lost steam. After about 30 to 45 minutes, the president gave up standing, and that grin faded into a sleepy half-smile as he looked like he was ready to call it a night, per the Irish Star.
Trump looking absolutely inconsolable at his fascist-themed 79th birthday party which no one turned up to other than those who had to because he’s their boss. pic.twitter.com/3BqYLrn8f0
— Adam Schwarz (@AdamJSchwarz) June 14, 2025
Trump eventually addressed Army recruits and his supporters with a short speech and told them to “have a good life.” He followed that up by showering praise on the Army.
The parade itself wasn’t cheap. The cost of the event is still unclear, but officials estimate that repairing potential pavement damage caused by tanks rolling down Constitution Avenue could cost anywhere between $3 to $16 million.
Furthermore, the event was overshadowed nationwide by “No Kings” protests, which popped up in multiple cities.
Tanks, helicopters, and one good dog participate in Donald Trump’s lavish military parade
The parade, of course, did have its high points. There were dozens of armored tanks and artillery vehicles on display, including HIMARS and Army aircraft like Black Hawk helicopters and Apaches. Over 6,000 uniformed troops participated, alongside historical military reenactors in old-school gear.
Then there was the animal squad that included 34 horses, two mules, and one very photogenic blue heeler named Doc Holliday.
Among the spectators was Mike Davis, a 30-year Army veteran who was thrilled by the display. “The last time we’ve had a military parade of any sorts, I recall, is the Gulf War,” Davis told NPR. “So, it’s been a long time and what better way to celebrate it than the 250th?”
Even though he acknowledged the “No Kings” protests put a bit of a damper on things, Davis supported their right to speak out. “We go to war and defend the nation’s rights for the citizens to do things like that, so more power to it,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Trump called the Army the “greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force” on the planet. He told the crowd, “The Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight you’ve made all Americans very proud.” The 79-year-old added, “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too. That’s what we’re doing tonight.”
After the speech, Trump was presented with a traditionally folded American flag — something typically reserved for families of fallen soldiers.
