It’s Donald Trump’s birthday, and while tonight’s controversial military parade in Washington, D.C., is officially a celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, it’s also a big birthday present for Trump — who has long fantasized about presiding over such an event. It also coincides with nationwide “No Kings Day” protests against Trump, his administration, and his ongoing crackdown on migrants, which has become a major national focus following anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. So far, Saturday’s protests have been peaceful, but the day has already been tarred with political violence in Minnesota, where an assassin attacked Democratic lawmakers at their homes. It’s also Flag Day. Below is the latest on the ongoing protests, the scene in D.C., and Trump’s big parade.

But there was a live Army choir, and Trump and Melania stood there stoically like this the whole time:

There was no rain to be seen as the celebration ended with fireworks, which crackled above the Mall over a soundtrack of orchestral music and soldiers singing the Army’s praises. The crowd looked on rapt, with thousands still gathered at the base of the Washington Monument.

Set to a heavily produced music-video montage. We made it, everyone. You earned it.

And the fireworks #Army250 @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/jF46HR5nPi

The crowd surged forward as President Donald Trump approached the podium to speak at 20 minutes past eight.

“Every other country celebrates their victories, it’s about time America did, too, that’s what we’re doing tonight,” Trump said, though it was unclear exactly what victory he was referencing.

His mention of “a truly great man,” George Washington, earned cheers, as did his promise that the enemies of America would face a “total and complete” downfall. He praised the way the country’s soldiers “fight, fight, fight,” a callback to his chant after getting shot last summer. He called America “the hottest country in the world” but avoided notable Trumpisms.

It was a remarkably staid and on-the-rails speech for man known for wild riffs. Trump seemed to have the seriousness of the occasion in mind as he addressed soldiers in fatigues and political supporters alike.

He spoke for less than ten minutes before asking his wife to join him at the podium as he accepted a flag from a soldier. The pair walked off to Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the U.S.A.,” the president’s signature campaign-trail number.

Singing his decades-old track that has become a Trump-rally standard and a de facto MAGA anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Pete Hegseth could be seen singing along.

Lee Greenwood also wished a happy birthday to Trump in the middle of the song, of course. Where would Lee be without Donald Trump at this point?

In a speech that thankfully didn’t last 90 minutes, the president celebrated both the Army and the parade itself. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” he said at the start. It’s really amazing he didn’t arrive in a tank.

There was just a long video featuring Trump talking about how great the Army is.

Now J.D. Vance is speaking, celebrating both the Army and the Trump administration — and this is an opener for Trump’s speech.

The loudest cheers of the evening came when President Donald Trump swore in recruits on his viewing platform in front of the White House.

The soldiers repeated Trump’s words as he said them, including a pledge to obey the president’s orders.

By that point, the crowd that had stretched along the parade route had contracted in front of the Washington Monument. Attendees appeared more animated than they had all day, with thousands rising to their feet as the president spoke.

“Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life!” Trump exclaimed.

It’s country star Warren Zeiders, who has repeatedly said how happy he is to be there and recently earned Trump’s fandom after publicly defending him (just like the Army defends America). But dramatic footage of lightning appears on the video screen behind the band. Isn’t that sort of........

© Daily Intelligencer