Trump's 79th Birthday Sparks Massive Protests Amid Military Parade

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA - On June 14, 2025, former President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday, a day that was marked by more than just cake and candles—it coincided with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The occasion was highlighted by a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., attracting thousands of attendees despite dire weather forecasts and a wave of national protests. According to Yahoo News, Trump’s family showed up in limited numbers, with his youngest son Eric Trump and his wife, Lara, bringing their children along. However, notable absentees included Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and their three children.

The parades and celebration took center stage in Washington, D.C., featuring over 6,000 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and an impressive aerial display with 50 aircraft, all capped with fireworks. President Trump, addressing the assembly, stated, “The Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight, you have made all Americans very proud,“ as reported by Washington Examiner. Interestingly, despite the celebratory mood, the day was also marred by more than 1,000 “No Kings” protests occurring nationwide, including one near Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

The Protests

The „No Kings“ demonstrations aimed to voice opposition to Trump’s presidency and were fueled by concerns over his perceived authoritarian tendencies. Organizers described the military parade as a “made-for-TV display of dominance,” emphasizing that real power and authority lie outside the Washington bubble. Nationwide, nearly 5 million people participated in the protests, with some gatherings turning unruly. Reports from cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Seattle revealed heightened tensions, and incidents of violence included a riot declared in Portland that injured four police officers and a car ramming into a crowd in Culpeper, Virginia, sending one person to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the parade itself proceeded with only light rain, a welcome change from earlier weather forecasts predicting a deluge. Notably, this parade is being touted as the largest in D.C. since the Gulf War ended in 1991, with an estimated budget of up to $45 million—a substantial amount for such an undertaking. As detailed by Vanity Fair, the event took over the skies and streets, causing delays at Reagan National Airport due to military flyovers.

The Trump Family’s Absences

Interestingly, since Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, the entire Trump family has not been publicly seen together. While Donald Trump has made frequent visits to Florida, appearing at events ranging from the Daytona 500 to UFC fights, his immediate family’s participation in public life has diminished. The last time they were all seen was back on Inauguration Day—a curious absence that has not gone unnoticed. Could it be that the family is distancing itself from what some view as an increasingly polarized environment?

In summary, June 14, 2025, was a day of dualities: a grand celebration of military might and an expression of public dissent. As we reflect on the significance of these events, we are left to ponder what the future holds for both the Trump family and American politics in these tumultuous times.