Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday on June 14 with a grand \$45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Over 6,000 uniformed soldiers, tanks, aircraft, and parachuters filled the streets, while Trump walked out to “Hail to the Chief” with Melania and other officials.
But one moment stole the spotlight—Trump appeared to fall asleep. Footage showed him “dip his head every now and then, with his eyes fully closed,” sparking online mockery. One user called him “Don Snorleone,” while another wrote, “Time to relieve him of the office. He is too old.”
Despite Trump’s eight-minute speech praising U.S. power—“We’re the hottest country in the world right now”—claims of 250,000 attendees were doubted. Photos suggested a smaller crowd, prompting social media jokes: “More people IN the parade than AT the parade.”
Another moment went viral when a lip reader captured Melania teasing Trump. After he joked, “I pushed my finger on one of them,” she replied, “You didn’t do that.”
What was meant to be a patriotic spectacle ended up stirring debate, memes, and criticism.
