On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump marked his 79th birthday with a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, however, was overshadowed by nationwide protests, a viral leak of a supposed prenuptial agreement, and accusations of media manipulation.
A Parade of Power and Patriotism
The parade featured over 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft, including F-22 fighter jets and Vietnam-era helicopters. Trump reviewed the procession from the Ellipse, saluting soldiers and delivering a speech affirming that the “American Soldier will always be there whenever duty calls”.
The event, estimated to cost $45 million, was billed as a dual celebration of Trump’s birthday and the Army’s founding.
“No Kings” Protests Sweep the Nation
While Trump celebrated in the capital, millions of Americans participated in “No Kings” protests across 2,100 cities, opposing what organizers called the president’s authoritarian tendencies.
- In Los Angeles, protests turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
- In Salt Lake City, one person was critically injured after gunfire erupted.
- In Culpeper, Virginia, a man was arrested for driving an SUV into a crowd.
Despite the unrest, Trump made no public mention of the protests during the parade.
Viral Leak: Trump-Melania Prenup Sparks Speculation
Adding to the day’s drama, a document claiming to be the 2005 prenuptial agreement between Donald and Melania Trump circulated online. The leak, allegedly orchestrated by Iranian hackers, included a clause requiring Melania to attend up to three ceremonial events per year in exchange for financial compensation.
While the authenticity of the document remains unverified, the timing—amid rising tensions with Iran—fueled speculation about foreign interference and personal vulnerabilities.
Fox News Accused of Audio Manipulation
A viral video comparing Fox News and PBS coverage of Trump’s parade speech accused Fox of adding fake cheering sounds to simulate mass support. Fox denied the claim, stating it used a different audio feed labeled “America250,” which included louder crowd noise.
June 14, 2025, encapsulated the polarizing nature of Trump’s presidency—a day of military spectacle, public dissent, and media controversy. As the president heads into a summer of international summits and domestic challenges, the nation remains deeply divided over his leadership and legacy.