Colbert Critiques Trump’s Military Parade Plans for Birthday Celebration

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Stephen Colbert expressed his dissatisfaction with former President Donald Trump‘s plans for a military parade to celebrate his 79th birthday this June. During his late-night monologue on May 15, 2025, Colbert highlighted that the event, expected to cost taxpayers at least $25 million, would include 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters.

Colbert joked, “[Trump]‘s gonna bring a taste of dictatorship back home. He’s throwing a big military parade on his birthday… It is his B-Day.” His comments underscored the significant military presence planned for the event, drawing some laughter from the audience.

The comedian also addressed the uncomfortable conditions soldiers might face during the event, saying, “Service members will be wearing period uniforms from the Revolutionary War to the present. It’ll be June in one of the most humid cities in America, and they’ll be dressing them in wool pants. It’ll go down as the Battle of Swamp Ass.” He poked fun at how the soldiers would be housed in a former government warehouse with just one hot meal a day.

Colbert continued the humorous critique with a Trump impersonation, expressing that it felt like a birthday slumber party for him, implying Trump’s lack of military service by referring to former military accusations about his draft dodging.

In addition to his remarks about the parade, Colbert also criticized the congressional Republicans for their stance on limiting nutrition aid to U.S. citizens and green card holders. He offered a humorous counterproposal that received applause from the crowd.

This isn’t the first time Trump has faced backlash over military display plans. The White House defended the upcoming parade as a fitting tribute and affirmed that funds would be shared with the Department of the Army and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. However, critics, including veterans groups, have voiced concerns that the event is more about the former president’s ego than honoring military service members.

“There is no event grand enough to adequately capture our gratitude for the heroes who sacrificed for our freedom,” said Anna Kelly, deputy press secretary. Critics argue that the parade may not effectively honor the sacrifices of the military.

This proposed show of military force has brought forth a mix of support and criticism, with some stressing the need to respect the sacrifices of those in uniform rather than use them for personal celebration.