Internet thinks Melania Trump tried to 'protect' Donald with subtle gesture during military parade

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Melania Trump apparently "protected" her president husband Donald Trump with a very powerful yet subtle move as the pair attended the parade for the US Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 14. The day also marked Trump’s 79th birthday.
The now-viral moment came after the commander-in-chief and the first lady took to the stage at the event as “Happy Birthday” was played to mark the army’s anniversary, as per the Irish Star.
Why did he let Melania stand in front of him? They sang happy birthday, he didn’t move. He didn’t move until they brought out the Flag.🇺🇸 WWG1WGA pic.twitter.com/Lft3H5ZUd3
— Susan (@emma6USA) June 16, 2025
Internet speculates about Melania Trump’s subtle move during military parade
While Donald Trump appeared to stand still during the event, Melania Trump shifted her position and came in front of the Republican leader.
One X (formerly Twitter) user shared the footage and wrote, “Why did he let Melania stand in front of him? They sang happy birthday, he didn’t move. He didn’t move until they brought out the Flag.”

Soon, other X users flocked to share their views on the gesture.
One person said, “It's a chess move - The Queen protects her King.”
Another tweeted, “Think chess moves…”
“Chess move checkmate for the DS,” an individual wrote.
One more shared, “I thought it looked like she was going to say something and then they brought up the flag and so she didn’t.”
I thought it looked like she was going to say something and then they brought up the flag and so she didn’t
— Mary Witkowski (@dreamfocus1) June 16, 2025
Another person expressed, “It’s a chess move… when the queen is in front of the king in chess it means game over.”
It’s a chess move… when the queen is in front of the king in chess it means game over
— Rocky1010 (@Rocky101058300) June 16, 2025
“I’m finding it hilarious how everyone is saying the queen is protecting the king, while at the same exact time of this moment, across the country there were No Kings protests,” a critic of Trump wrote.
I’m finding it hilarious how everyone is saying the queen protecting the king, while at the same exact time of this moment, across the country was No Kings protests 🤣🤣
— Andrew Goedken (@AndrewGoedken) June 17, 2025
Meanwhile, a Trump supporter added, “I think he put his wife first in the forefront out of respect. My husband does that for me. So much love. 💕”
I think he put his wife first in the forefront out of respect. My husband does that for me. So much love. 💕
— Kay (@KBiasiolli) June 17, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel participated in the ‘No Kings’ protest during Donald Trump's grand military parade
This came as people across the US have been protesting against Donald Trump and his administration's immigration crackdown. There were nationwide “No Kings” protests on the day of Trump's grand military parade.
A number of Hollywood celebrities attended such demonstrations, including comedian and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
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Sharing a picture from a protest, the comedian posted on Instagram, “A huge, inspiring and yes - peaceful - turnout in the South Bay. I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good."
"I am grateful to see so many Americans take action to stand up for our friends and neighbors, most of all, my parents. I know how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that taught me to care about others and that the most important words ever spoken are 'Love one another.' It really is as simple as that," Kimmel added.
Veteran actress Glenn Close also attended a "No Kings" protest in Bozeman, Montana.
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"It's not about screaming slogans. It's not about spitting hatred. It's the calm, unified PRESENCE of MILLIONS of Americans who refuse to let our beloved, magnificent country be sold out to the wannabe KING/OLIGARCH and his RUTHLESS, cruel, scheming puppeteers," she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post.
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In another post she shared photos and videos from the protest, writing, "BOZEMAN IS PISSED AND CAME OUT IN DROVES!!!"
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.