Trump’s Controversial Speech at Army’s 250th Celebration Draws Criticism

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina — President Donald Trump visited Fort Bragg on June 11, 2025, during the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebrations, but his speech quickly turned partisan, igniting controversy among military personnel and leadership. The visit, which was intended to boost troop morale, instead blurred the lines between military professionalism and political partisanship.

During his address, Trump launched a series of attacks against political opponents, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Joe Biden, while encouraging soldiers to boo at mentions of these figures. The reaction from the troops, described as rare and vocal political partisanship for active military members, included laughter and applause in response to Trump’s remarks.

Military.com uncovered internal communications from the 82nd Airborne Division indicating that soldiers were handpicked based on their political leanings and appearances, creating a divided atmosphere among the troops present. One directive stated, ‘no fat soldiers’ should be chosen for the behind-the-podium display during the address, highlighting a systematic effort to control the event’s optics.

Many military officials responded with concern regarding the implications of such a display, emphasizing that it undermined the military’s long-standing tradition of political neutrality. An anonymous commander at Fort Bragg expressed disappointment, stating, ‘I don’t expect anything to come out of it, but I hope maybe we can learn from it long term.’

Trump’s critics argue that politicizing military events risks damaging the Army’s reputation and violates Pentagon regulations forbidding political activities by uniformed personnel. Critics were particularly alarmed by the presence of a shop selling pro-Trump merchandise on the base, further blurring the lines between military duty and political loyalty.

‘This was shameful,’ said the commander who requested anonymity. ‘It’s crucial for the military to remain nonpartisan, especially during a time of heightened political tension.’

Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, issued a statement dismissing inquiries about the political nature of the event, indicating that attempts to investigate the military personnel’s discipline for their reactions were unfounded.

Amidst these events, many veterans have expressed their concerns about the implications of Trump’s address and the upcoming military parade in Washington D.C. scheduled for June 14, coinciding with Trump’s birthday. Veterans fear that the focus may shift from honoring the Army’s storied history to a spectacle centered around the president.

As the country gears up for this celebratory weekend, many in the military community are reflecting on the significance of maintaining the Army’s nonpartisan stature, especially in an era of divisiveness.