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

In a video shared on social media, Donald Trump is seen standing still as Melania shifts her position to stand in front of him
UPDATED JUN 18, 2025
Melania Trump stood in front of Donald Trump after he invited her to the stage during the military parade on Saturday, June 14 (Screengrab/PBS News/YouTube)
Melania Trump stood in front of Donald Trump after he invited her to the stage during the military parade on Saturday, June 14 (Screengrab/PBS News/YouTube)

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.



 

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.”

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave at the ending of the U.S Army parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with the military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave at the end of the US Army parade on June 14, 2025, in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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.”



 

Another person expressed, “It’s a chess move… when the queen is in front of the king in chess it means game over.”



 

“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.



 

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. 💕”



 

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks during the celebration of the Army's 250th birthday on the National Mall on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. (Photo by Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch fireworks during the celebration of the Army's 250th birthday on the National Mall on June 14, 2025, in Washington, DC (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images)

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.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel)


 

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.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Real Glenn Close (@glennclose)


 

"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. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Real Glenn Close (@glennclose)


 

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.

MORE STORIES

'Fox polling, I have to tell you, I’ve told you before, the worst polling I’ve ever had,' Donald Trump said during an interview with Martha MacCallum
10 hours ago
Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, was heard comparing the world political scenario to Sandra Bullock’s 2015 film 'Our Brand Is Crisis'
11 hours ago
Trump nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle in December, but she was only confirmed after Senate Republicans altered rules to fast-track the process
11 hours ago
Donald Trump criticized ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, saying the network unfairly targets him and Kimmel lacked ratings and talent
13 hours ago
Ilhan Omar faced sharp backlash after dismissing tributes to the late Charlie Kirk as dishonest and calling him a 'hateful man'
13 hours ago
JD Vance said, 'We supported each other in that moment as you do with your friends, but man, that was a bad, bad day'
14 hours ago
Obama denounces Charlie Kirk’s shooting as 'horrific', defends Michelle’s intelligence and urges grace
15 hours ago
The decision came amid growing concerns about political violence, especially at open-air and political events
15 hours ago
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has remained silent on Jimmy Kimmel’s removal by ABC
16 hours ago
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel on September 17 after remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death, sparking claims of politics behind the move
16 hours ago