Donald Trump's military parade, intended to celebrate his 79th birthday and the Army's 250th anniversary, faced criticism due to sparse crowds and a perceived lack of excitement. Media reports highlighted Melania Trump's apparent drowsiness during the event.

Trump welcomed his 79th with a double celebration in a military parade as it was also the 250th US Army anniversary. Trump entered the venue with the first lady Melania Trump holding hands. The two sat together during the parade at the Washington DC venue.

The first lady’s outfit was fully in line with the controlled and contained public image she had been crafting since the end of her husband’s first term.