If there’s one thing Donald Trump doesn’t do quietly, it’s birthdays. The former president rolled into Fort Bragg, North Carolina, today to headline the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration—just days before his own 79th on June 14. The event promises spectacle, symbolism, and, yes, a healthy dose of political fireworks.
Trump Heads to Fort Bragg for Explosive 250th Army Birthday Bash
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Military parade in D.C. to feature 6,600 soldiers and over 150 vehicles | $25–45 million projected cost |
| Fort Bragg’s name officially changed to honor WWII hero | Now honors PFC Roland L. Bragg |
| Deployment of troops to L.A. amid protests draws legal backlash | 4,000 National Guard + 700 Marines |
The 250th birthday of the Army should be a unifying moment. But in today’s polarized America, even patriotism can spark debate. Trump’s dual celebration strategy—pairing a national milestone with his personal birthday—taps into deep-rooted symbols of strength, service, and American exceptionalism.
Yet critics argue it also weaponizes those same symbols for political gain. Having covered several military anniversaries myself, I can say this: never has one felt more grand—or more politically charged.
Fort Bragg Pulls Out All the Stops
Fort Bragg—newly re-renamed after WWII hero PFC Roland L. Bragg—is the epicenter of a weeklong celebration marking the U.S. Army’s quarter-millennium milestone. It’s not every day the oldest branch of America’s military hits 250.
Today’s festivities were a mix of patriotic flair and military might. Thousands gathered at Pike Field for live tactical demonstrations, Golden Knights parachute jumps, flyovers, musical tributes, and kid-friendly activities.
Trump was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Both praised the Army’s resilience, while Trump, never one to shy from spectacle, likened the event to “a birthday party only America could throw.”
“When I served as a White House correspondent, I covered many Fourth of July events—but nothing quite like this,” said CNN’s Dana Bash on X. “This is part military show, part political rally.”
Birthday Bash or Campaign Boost?
Timing, as always, is everything.
June 14 marks both the Army’s official birthday and Trump’s own. He’ll turn 79 on the same day that a massive military parade rolls through Washington, D.C. Think: 6,600 soldiers, more than 150 military vehicles, and airpower galore.
Tanks—some shipped over 1,300 miles—have already begun lining the National Mall. Budget estimates for the celebration run between $25 and $45 million.
Critics argue the event is less about honoring service members and more about bolstering Trump’s reelection optics. Premium “VIP experience” packages offered to America250 donors grant front-row access at Fort Bragg and in D.C.—blurring the line between tribute and fundraiser. “This is not about the Army. This is about one man’s ego,” tweeted retired Army General Barry McCaffrey.
Political Overtones and Legal Pushback
Trump’s appearance comes amid controversy surrounding his decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. California state officials say the move violates federalism and oversteps executive authority.
The optics of troops marching at home while others manage unrest have drawn comparisons to authoritarian playbooks. Detractors warn that the line between military pride and political theatre is wearing thin.
Budget hawks are also sounding alarms over the cost. With federal agencies facing belt-tightening, the price tag of the parade has become a flashpoint.
🇺🇸 A Base with a New—And Old—Name
Originally renamed Fort Liberty in 2023 as part of a military-wide push to shed Confederate names, the base now carries a new legacy. In March 2025, it officially adopted the name “Fort Bragg” once again—but this time in honor of Roland L. Bragg, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient.
The reversion, while controversial, aimed to reconcile history with heroism. “PFC Bragg represents everything right about the Army’s past—and its future,” said Secretary Driscoll at today’s ceremony.
