Trump upset with Hegseth over Parade Mishap

President Donald Trump was furious with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a military parade in Washington, D.C., didn’t go as planned, according to biographer Michael Wolff. The event, meant to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14, 2025, was supposed to be a powerful display of strength. Instead, Trump felt the soldiers were too cheerful, waving and smiling instead of looking serious and disciplined.

Wolff shared on The Daily Beast Podcast that Trump called Hegseth to complain about the parade’s “wrong tone.” He was upset that the soldiers seemed to be enjoying themselves rather than appearing tough and focused. Social media posts pointed out that the soldiers weren’t marching in perfect sync, and the turnout was much smaller than expected, with empty bleachers along Constitution Avenue. Critics called the $45 million event a waste, while protests against Trump, dubbed “No Kings,” drew larger crowds nationwide.

Hegseth, a loyal Trump supporter and former Fox News host, faced a heated phone call where Trump demanded to know who organized the parade. Despite the criticism, Hegseth wasn’t fired, though his handling of the event raised questions about his leadership. The parade’s lighthearted vibe and low attendance left Trump disappointed, as he had hoped for a grand, intimidating spectacle to mark the occasion.