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Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
8 unhinged moments from Donald Trump's bizarre birthday tank parade
The long-awaited spectacle, on paper a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US Army, was sparsely attended - with far fewer than the expected 250,000 Trump fans turning up for his 79th birthday bash Donald Trump seemed to struggle staying awake as his $45 million birthday parade of tanks and troops rolled through a humid Washington DC on Saturday night. The long-awaited spectacle, on paper a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US Army, was sparsely attended - with far fewer than the expected 250,000 Trump fans turning up for his 79th birthday bash. Elements of the parade - including a parachute display - were moved earlier as dark stormclouds gathered over the National Mall, threatening to soak the 7,000 soldiers marching the two-mile route in 30 degree heat. In the end the weather mostly let them alone - but the chest-beating display of American pomp came at the end of a fraught week for America, and alongside huge protests against Trump's authoritarian behaviour. Everything is fine. Here's what you need to know. 1. Trump struggled to stay awake Trump appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open from time to time. There also was a very weird moment towards the end, where Trump and Melania just stood in the middle of the stage for several minutes in silence, until a uniformed military officer appeared to tap Trump on the shoulder and suggest he might like to try leaving the stage. 2. He came on stage to God Save the King When Trump came on stage for his birthday speech, the US Army band played not 'Hail to the Chief', but 'God Save The King'. In America, the tune of our national anthem is shared with the patriotic song 'My Country 'Tis of Thee'. But if you were looking for signs that Donald already considers himself a monarch, there were plenty to find at Saturday's parade. 3. Nobody looked like they wanted to be there The President sat between gurning Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth - wearing a gaudy camouflage tie and Stars and Stripes pocket square - and a scowling Melania throughout the parade. A few seats away, Secretary of State Marco Rubio looked decidedly bored, sitting sideways on his chair and yawning. 4. The sponsor shoutouts were very weird Among many jarring juxtapositions in Saturday's parade was the list of Trump-friendly sponsors who got shoutouts throughout the display of military sacrifice. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the host said in a booming voice as tanks and troops filed past the President. "Please thank our sponsor, [crypto firm] Coinbase." Later there were shoutouts for datamining firm Palantir and the UFC. Even weirder were the tents where serving soldiers in uniform were handing out free cans of Phorm Energy, a truly vile beverage co-owned by UFC boss Dana White. The variety on offer at the parade was called "Screamin' Freedom". 5. The parade was impressive - but not quite North Korea While the hardware on show was huge and intimidating, the parade itself was not on the same level of grandeur and precision as those seen in dictatorships. Similar displays in North Korea feature huge blocks of troops in tight, formal formation and strict, disciplined marching. Saturday's parade appeared more relaxed, with soldiers ambling down Constitution Avenue, often not in lockstep with each other. But the festivities ended with a genuinely impressive display of American firepower - a huge firework display next to the Washington monument. NK1 6. Millions were protesting against it Thousands of protests filled streets across the United States at the same time as the parade, under the banner of "No Kings". Organisers said millions of Americans marched in hundreds of events, which largely passed without violence or incident. Huge crowds marched, danced, drummed, and chanted shoulder-to-shoulder in New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles. Atlanta's 5,000-capacity event quickly reached its limit, with thousands more gathered outside barriers to hear speakers in front of the state Capitol. Officials in Seattle estimated that more than 70,000 people attended the city's largest rally. The demonstrations come on the heels of the protests over Trump's mass deportation raids that began last week - and Trump ordering the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire. "Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don't do kings," the No Kings Coalition said in a statement Saturday afternoon after many events had ended. Thousands gathered in downtown LA, where organisers handed out small American flags and people carried protest signs saying "fight oligarchy" and "deport the mini-Mussolinis." 7. The TV news split screens were far from ideal While he made no mention of current events in his speech, the event came at the end of a fraught week for America. Most will have seen Trump's birthday parade on TV news, as a split-screen juxtaposed with either the manhunt for Minnesota assassinations suspect Vance Boelter, crowds howling in protest or missile strikes in Iran and Israel. 8. There were in the crowd The crowd was quite diverse - with a handful of people attending with "No Kings" banners and quite a lot of non-Trump supporting DC locals turning out for the spectacle. But the largest contingent were MAGA die hards, many of whom had travelled hundreds of miles for their guy's birthday. Michael Neill, a 21-year Army veteran who travelled from New Hampshire for Trump's birthday told the Mirror he thought the parade was "great." "I think it's great that the Army after 250 years is having a parade in our nation's capital," he said. "That shows strength, but it also shows that we love our military." Mr Neill went on to say he believes President Trump won the 2020 election, and that Joe Biden was "executed for treason" while in office, and replaced by an actor. "The movie Mission Impossible, the masks? Thats a real thing, folks," he said. "Theres a lot of masks going on and we're about to find out." Gregory, who came from New Jersey to the parade in a bright white shirt, suit and tie, said he was there to celebrate the birthday of "America's dad - Donald J Trump." Get Donald Trump updates straight to your WhatsApp! As tension between the White House and Europe heats up, the Mirror has launched its very own US Politics WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news from across the pond. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. And some in the crowd wanted to see Trump stay in office longer than the constitution allows - much longer, in fact. Asked if he wanted to see Trump's name on the ballot in 2028, Edward X Young from New Jersey - who has attended 112 Trump rallies - said: "I hope so." But Rose, his friend from Pennsylvania, who wore a blue T-shirt bearing slogans related to the Q-Anon conspiracy theory, went further. "I think Donald Trump is going to be the last President," she said, adding she doesn't think the 2028 election will take place. "I think the Democrats have destroyed our democratic process with elections, Mr Young said. "They've corrupted jt so bad. Let's face it, this is the greatest President in the history of our country....I want Trump for king." Later, Rose asked me if I thought Princess Diana was still alive. She did not.
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
I went to Donald Trump's birthday tank parade and already thinks he's a king
When Donald Trump came on stage for his birthday speech, the US Army band struck up a very familiar tune. It wasn't one of the usual American patriotic hits - like Hail to the Chief. And it wasn't his favourite intro song, Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA - although Greenwood would perform that one live later. No, Trump came on to My Country 'Tis of Thee. Which shares a tune which is better know by Brits as God Save The King. As dogwhistles go, it was not subtle. Trump's speech itself was unusually brief and largely apolitical - but the rest of the event couldn't have been more Pyongyang if he'd come on stage in a sheepskin leather jacket. Over a couple of hours, 7,000 troops, dozens of tanks and other vehicles, swarms of helicopters and two robot dogs rolled, flew and ambled past Trump's podium as he apparently struggled to stay awake. It was the kind of muscular display of might that America just doesn't do. The last time this kind of military parade took place in Washington it was in celebration of the completion of Operation Desert Storm, back in the early 90s. And that one had a good reason behind it - it was a celebration of a military victory. This time it was so transparently just an excuse for an elderly wannabe hardman could look at his real life airfix models for the afternoon of his birthday. And don't be trying to claim the celebrations of the US Army's 250th anniversary were already underway before Trump took office. Because the original plan was just hold a festival in celebration - which still happened in the field next door. There was a rope climbing contest, a few choppers and tanks and vastly fewer MAGA hats. The parade was for Trump's birthday, and anyone who thinks it wasn't didn't speak to many people who turned up to watch. As it turns out, I did. Almost everyone mentioned Donald Trump before the Army when asked wha they were celebrating. It was undeniably a spectacle. The scale of the hardware and he sacrifice of the troops was genuinely quite stirring. And the firework display next to the Washington monument was a legit impressive display of American firepower. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was visibly bored - at one point getting caught on camera yawning. Even Trump himself - sitting between a gurning Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth an a scowling Melania throughout the parade - appeared to drop off a few times. There also was a very weird moment towards the end as well, where Trump and Melania just stood in the middle of the stage for several minutes in silence, until a military officer appeared to tap Trump on the shoulder and suggest he might like to try leaving the stage. Earlier, a man in a Stars and Stripes stetson had old me it was about time America put its might on display - because it would raise morale. Not just with the troops, but the public too. You see, as well as being letting him play at being King - or perhaps playing Kim - it was transparently about hijacking American history and patriotism for MAGA. To make Donald Trump and a strong America he same thing in people's minds. As tension between the White House and Europe heats up, the Mirror has launched its very own US Politics WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news from across the pond. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is , select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our . And for the 70,000 or so people on the National Mall yesterday, it had been exceptionally successful. For the rest of the country, maybe not so much. They'll have watched it on a split screen, juxtaposed with either footage of the hunt for a political assassin in Minnesota, or of protests against his authoritarian behaviour. Or of a war in the Middle East that is showing up once again that his claims of being the "President of Peace" were absolute hogwash. It's a fraught week for America. And as Trump clutched his wife's pinkie and waddled off the sage, the sinister potential of what I'd just seen started to sink in. Pictures and video by Humphrey Nemar Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley Cowburn. Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What all happened at Trump's military day parade amid ‘No Kings' protest across US
US President Donald Trump, who marked his 79th birthday on June 14, attended a military parade in Washington DC to celebrate the US Army's 250th anniversary. The parade featured thousands of soldiers, an array of tanks and other military vehicles, and aircrafts. The parade witnessed thousands of spectators who watched the US military from the National Mall. Amid the 21-gun salutes to the tune of Hail to the Chief, President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump walked on the stage at the start of the event. Among the notable attendees, Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were present. Following the US military's parade, Trump gave his remark where he defended the decision to hold the celebration and praised the US Army as the 'oldest branch of the greatest fighting force ever known to man.' President Donald Trump praised the US Army and defended the decision to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the forces and said 'Every other country celebrates their victories. It's about time America did, too.' During his 10-minute speech, Trump focused on the dangers the US Army has faced and their courage in colorful language. WATCH: President Donald J. Trump Swears In @USArmy Troops at the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade 🇺🇸 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 15, 2025 Trump thanked the military and their families and mentioned troops 'frostbitten feet and bloody fists' and the US military driving 'bayonets into the heart of sinister empires.' The Republican president added 'Our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never ever quit, they fight fight fight and win win win.' As President Trump celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US Army, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched and protested on the streets of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia among others against the actions and decisions taken by Trump since he returned to the White House in January, more specifically the recent immigration raids. Labour unions and liberal activists joined the protests to counter the festivities prepared in Washington DC with 'No Kings' rallies, which projects Trump's overreaching role as the chief executive. However, the organizers had not planned for a demonstration in DC but a few protesters did surround the White House, CBS News reported. The US officials said the parade witnessed:
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Donald Trump's Mega Military Parade Marking Army's 250th Birthday In Washington, D.C.
President Trump is attending a military parade in Washington, D.C., Saturday to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary, as he also celebrates his 79th birthday. The 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration, as it's officially called, features thousands of soldiers, an array of tanks and other military vehicles, and dozens of aircraft. A large crowd of spectators lined the parade route along the National Mall to Trump and first lady Melania Trump walked on stage to the tune of Hail to the Chief and a 21-gun salute before the parade began. Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were also in attendance. Mobile App -
USA Today
26-01-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Questions posed to nominees justified; Democrats above the law
Questions posed to nominees justified; Democrats above the law | Letters Let's not give Cabinet nominees a free ride In his letter ("Democrats' hate-fueled antics," Jan. 18), Michael DiStefano complains that hate and vengeance are behind the unfair questioning of President Trump's Cabinet nominees by Democratic lawmakers. He highlights what, according to him, the especially harsh questioning put to Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. May I remind Mr. DiStefano that these positions are a little more important than the local VFW post, and each job should be under intense scrutiny for the sake of the U.S. Additionally, both candidates' past behavior should raise red flags. In Ms. Bondi's case, as Florida's AG, she famously refused to prosecute DJT's 'Trump University' case after receiving a $25,000 campaign contribution from Mr. Trump. To refresh your memory, this was one of Trump's too numerous to mention scams that caused financial ruin to those unfortunate enough to get involved in. In addition, Ms. Bondi, when asked if Trump lost the 2020 election, stonewalled the questioners with the same answers that, by some bizarre reason, every nominee used in response to the same question. As for Mr. Hegseth, how dare those evil senators bring up the drinking, sex scandals, etc.? As for not believing in the Geneva Convention, why should the leader of our military believe in that? To answer the question, I have been told as a child to support whomever is the president, although there has never been a convicted felon in that office. By the way, what do you think all the Trump memorabilia will be selling for now that he is sworn in? Gerry Griffin, Rumford A whole new presidency There was a president not that long ago who told his staff not to play "Hail to the Chief' when he came into a room. He lived in a modest home in Plains, Georgia after leaving office, spending time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and was known as 'Mr. Jimmy.' Now we have a chest thumping false god who demands flags be flown high, refusing to honor that former president. A man who uses his inauguration to insult his predecessor rather than, as every previous president (including Joe Biden) has done, proceed with professional dignity. A man who lets us all know he is called "Sir" with every story about himself. Humility is scorned, sycophants are rewarded, Proud Boys and racist Oath Keepers are heroes, Capitol insurrectionists are hostages. As one of my fellow senior citizens put it, I am glad I am on the way out and not on the way in. I truly hope the Trump supporters know what they have wrought. Richard Donelly, Providence Democrats above the law For the last four years Democrats kept telling us that no one is above the law. Yet mere hours before he left office former President Biden preemptively pardoned his family and numerous other officials who have not been charged with any crimes. One has to think what these people may have done to get an unprecedented pardon. We are left to wonder who the defenders of democracy really are. Surely not the Democrats. Peter Persechino, Exeter Time to tax nonprofits Providence Mayor Brett Smiley plans to raise property taxes in his city to make up for years of underfunding the city's public schools ("Smiley says he will ask to raise taxes in Providence next year," News, Jan. 7). Now is the time for our General Assembly to pass legislation that would allow cities to tax so called 'nonprofits' like Brown University, Brown University Health, and other colleges and hospitals. Lifespan, now Brown University Health, with assets of $3 billion, reported revenue over expenses (profit) of $37 million in 2023, while paying its CEO $6.8 million in 2022. Brown University reports net assets of $8.3 billion − including its endowment of $7.2 billion − while paying its president $1.8 million in 2022. Lifespan pays Providence only $1.5 million per year in PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) while its tax bill would be $32 million per year were its property taxable. Brown University pays the city only $15 million per year in PILOT and other contributions while its tax bill would be $50 million per year if its properties were taxed like other businesses. Struggling home owners and businesses wrestling with rising costs and declining sales can no longer afford to subsidize property- and asset-rich institutions. It's time for the General Assembly to act! Lonnie Barham, Warwick Limit campaign contributions I should not be surprised but am at the massive of amounts of money spent on political campaigns. I ask friends if they actually make a voting decision based on a political ad. Do you even watch or read them? The answer is always a strong hell no. Donald Trump won both his winning elections spending much less than his opponent. Vice President Kamala Harris spent as much as $1.5 billion in about 100 days and lost. How much proof is needed that dollars alone do not decide elections? What we do know is campaign dollars corrupt the process, limit who can run, and create obligations on candidates who are required to beg for money. Less money and a dollar limit on campaigns would be good for our country. Problem is courts have said contributions are a form of protected speech. My suggestion is limiting all political contributions to individuals. Real people, but most importantly only those individuals who can vote in the election they are supporting. No corporations or organizations as they cannot and do not vote. No "contributions" from individuals living outside a state into state elections. If they cannot vote in the state (or municipal) election they cannot corrupt it with outside money. It is not a complicated solution, will reduce the amounts spent, and limit the influence of the deep pocketed moguls. Think about it. Biagio C. Trofa, North Providence Yes, a chief medical examiner is needed Responding to a recent letter ("Need for a chief medical examiner," Dec. 5): Yes, Rhode Island does need a chief medical examiner. The medical examiner's office has been backlogged for years. My family had first-hand experience with this when my 59-year-old sister died unexpectedly last May. It took over 6 months to receive a report from the medical examiner's office. This is an inexcusable amount of time for a grieving family to have to wait for an answer. This office needs more staffing, not less! Eileen Leary, Tiverton Sickened by Trump's pardons I am a United States Marine, a Vietnam War veteran, and a former law-enforcement officer, and I am totally outraged and disheartened by our so-called newly elected president's blanket pardoning of all the Jan. 6 rioters/attempted insurrectionists. Approximately 140 of my brother and sister officers were injured that day, some very seriously and 5 dying in its aftermath. So not only did this president cause that to happen, now he's totally excusing every bit of their dastardly and traitorous behavior that day. This makes me sick! Murrie L. Hubbard III, North Kingstown
