President Donald Trump allegedly blamed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the underwhelming execution of his June 14 military parade, criticizing the event’s tone and turnout amid widespread public protests and lukewarm reception.
At a Glance
- Trump was reportedly furious with Hegseth for the parade’s lack of coordination and dramatic effect.
- The event celebrated Trump’s 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary.
- “No Kings” protests took place in over 2,100 U.S. cities on the same day.
- Critics noted sparse attendance, logistical issues, and misaligned military choreography.
- The White House called the claims “fabricated” and dismissed author Michael Wolff as unreliable.
Private Fury Over Public Optics
According to The Daily Beast, Trump privately “reamed out” Hegseth over what he saw as a disorganized and underwhelming military spectacle. Michael Wolff, who reported the incident, said Trump expected a “menacing” display but was disappointed by shuffling tanks, low energy, and what he called “a joke of a march.”
The White House Communications Office issued a fiery denial, dismissing Wolff’s report as fiction and defending the parade as a patriotic celebration.
Parade Drowned by Protest
Simultaneous to the event, the “No Kings” movement held massive protests in over 2,100 U.S. cities. As Vanity Fair reported, demonstrators criticized the parade as a vanity project symbolizing authoritarian overreach. Veterans’ groups expressed concern over military imagery being used for partisan optics.
Critics also lambasted the estimated $25 million to $45 million cost, arguing it underscored misplaced priorities in a time of economic strain.
Hegseth’s Role and Fallout
Secretary Hegseth, a former Fox News host with limited operational command experience, has faced scrutiny for his role in staging the parade. Footage showing poorly synchronized troops and off-beat military bands fueled online mockery and amplified perceptions of a logistical failure.
Observers noted that Hegseth’s public image—tied closely to Trump’s political ambitions—makes him a convenient scapegoat for the parade’s shortcomings.
Political Theater Meets Command
This episode reinforces longstanding concerns about the blurring of military protocol and political theater under Trump. While the president has positioned himself as a champion of the armed forces, critics say his use of military imagery increasingly serves personal and partisan ends.
With speculation swirling about deeper tensions in the administration and Hegseth’s future, the parade debacle underscores the risks of conflating patriotic display with political spectacle—especially when execution falters.
