As millions of Americans protested at “No Kings” rallies across the country, onlookers gathered in Washington on the president’s birthday for a muted celebration.

Donald Trump threw a military parade in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, June 14 (a date that happens to be the president’s birthday) to the tune of $25 to $45 million. But unfortunately for Trump, photos and videos from the big day show sparse attendance and a lack of organization from top to bottom.

The Rock Hall of Famer said the song is a "powerful piece of music that was never intended for political use."

Fox News Digital spoke to attendees of the D.C. military parade, some who had traveled hundreds of miles to participate, about why they had come to the nation’s capital for the event.

Law enforcement officials reported no arrests from the celebration in D.C. that drew several thousand parade watchers, with some demonstrators protesting against the show of military strength.

Tiffany Trump, daughter of Donald Trump and Marla Maples, gave birth to Alexander Trump Boulos at 4:44 am May 15, 2025. She’s married to Michael Boulos.

Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., has voiced support for President Donald Trump ’s military parade, saying Americans should support it regardless of politics.

“Earlier today, during a parade held in support of our nation’s military and organized by President Donald Trump, the song ‘Barracuda’ by Heart was played without permission or authorization from us,“ Wilson said in a post on Instagram late Saturday night.

Sen. Rand Paul criticized the June 14 military parade, arguing that it was too expensive and “glorified” weapons.

MSNBC hosts Ali Velshi and Chris Hayes noted a difference in the atmosphere at the Army's 250th celebration in Washington, D.C., compared to President Trump's rallies.