Former President Donald Trump is said to have angrily lashed out at his Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, because Trump was disappointed over what he considered a sorry and terrible excuse of military parade held over the weekend in Washington, D.C. This was a scheduled event to celebrate the 250th year anniversary of the U.S. Army and Trump was hosting the 79th birthday as its first display of military strength and patriotism. But sources in the former president say the parade was nothing like he expected.
A Birthday Parade Meant to Impress
It has been known that Trump always wanted to have a big military parade when it comes to his presidency, and this was perceived as Trump fulfilling his desire in having a big military parade. It was set to be a rival to military pageantry common in such locations as Russia or North Korea, two countries whose leaders Trump has repeatedly mentioned enviously with their show-of-force displays.
However, the parade was not punctuated with awe and discipline but instead what Trump is reported to have referred to as a festive atmosphere and even cheery among the troops. This was not well received by Trump, who supposedly had a much more threatening and authoritarian mood to convey the message of American strengths.
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Trump “Reamed Out” Hegseth
Trump was livid, said biographer Michael Wolff in an interview on The Daily Beast Podcast, about the incident. It is even reported that he railed against Hegseth behind closed doors, accusing the former of the perceived failure of the parade. According to Trump, the soldiers were hams, and they were waving and smiling and having a good time on duty, which they should have been green-faced and in a violent attitude. It was a mood that ruined all the sense of the parade.
Wolff said: He is sore at the troops. He is accusing them of having fun instead of appearing like the military. Trump did not take the event as a celebration of the history of the Army but as a chance to display himself as a robust commander-in-chief.
Sparse Crowds and Public Criticism
The backlash wasn’t just internal. Images from the parade showed noticeably sparse crowds, prompting critics and media outlets to question the necessity of spending $45 million in taxpayer funds on what many have labeled a glorified birthday celebration. Protestors across the country participated in coordinated “No Kings” rallies, decrying the parade as undemocratic and authoritarian in tone.
Melania Trump, the former first lady, was also in attendance but appeared visibly detached, with some reports suggesting she was uncomfortable with the over-the-top display. Social media buzzed with posts mocking the turnout and criticizing the tone of the event.
Hegseth Under Fire
Pete Hegseth, a longtime Trump loyalist and former Fox News host, is now under fire from both sides. While he remains a staunch defender of Trump’s vision, his execution of the parade has raised questions about his capability as Defense Secretary. Lawmakers have grilled Hegseth in recent weeks over his role in approving the high-budget parade, as well as his broader defense spending priorities.
In public, Hegseth has defended the parade, calling it a tribute to American soldiers. But behind the scenes, the tension with Trump appears to have put him in a politically vulnerable position.
Conclusion
What was intended as a patriotic showcase and tribute to the U.S. Army turned into a political embarrassment for the Trump administration. Instead of boosting Trump’s image, the parade sparked criticism for its cost, style, and underwhelming attendance. Trump’s anger toward Hegseth only adds to the drama, signaling growing fractures even within his closest political circle.
