Melania Trump appears to doze off at husband Donald's lavish military parade as POTUS looks visibly upset

One surprising moment that drew attention was Melania Trump appearing to nod off as tanks rolled by during the $45 million military procession
PUBLISHED JUN 15, 2025
Sitting beside her husband, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump was seen resting her eyes on multiple occasions as camera footage captured her looking unengaged, if not outright drowsy (@AdamJSchwarz/X)
Sitting beside her husband, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump was seen resting her eyes on multiple occasions as camera footage captured her looking unengaged, if not outright drowsy (@AdamJSchwarz/X)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday parade on Saturday, June 14, may have been packed with military muscle, but the event struggled to generate the spark of celebration even among those seated onstage.

One surprising moment that caught attention was Melania Trump appearing to nod off as tanks rolled by during the $45 million military procession, Daily Beast reported.



 

Melania Trump appears to doze off at Donald Trump's military parade

Positioned beside her husband Donald Trump and flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the first lady was seen resting her eyes on multiple occasions as camera footage captured her looking unengaged, if not outright drowsy.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: President Donald Trump applauds during a military parade alongside his wife Melania Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) 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 Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump applauds during a military parade alongside his wife Melania Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) on June 14, 2025, in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump, meanwhile, wore a visibly tense expression, at times glancing around with what some described as a look of frustration or confusion.

Adding to the image of low energy onstage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was spotted yawning as he reclined in his seat.

People on social media pointed out these moments, with one X user writing, “They're having a hard time hiding their boredom.” 



 

The overall mood of the parade meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army’s founding was described by one attendee as “oddly quiet” and lacking momentum.

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, once key figures in Trump’s administration, were noticeably absent.

Spectators, faced with long pauses and minimal commentary, began to trickle out before Trump took the stage for his anticipated remarks. His speech, lasting only a few minutes, focused on defending the need for such celebrations.



 

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too,” Trump said, as many of the seats in front of him sat half-empty. 

Internet abuzz as Melania Trump appears to doze off at Donald Trump's military parade  

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk on stage during a 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.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on stage during a celebration of the Army's 250th birthday on the National Mall on June 14, 2025, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

First lady Melania Trump found herself at the center of online chatter after cameras caught her seemingly nodding off during husband Donald Trump’s extravagant military celebration, an event reportedly costing upwards of $45 million.

The internet wasted no time weighing in on what many saw as a moment of visible boredom from Melania.

One user sarcastically posted, “When you spend $45 million of other people's money on your dictator chic birthday and it's still worse than a roadside Taco Bell value-package party.”



 

Another said, “Melania is definitely holding back the laughter..”



 

Critics questioned the scale of the event altogether as one person commented, “45 million down the drain that could’ve been used for something better.”



 

“Melania looks so bored,” another remarked.



 

One individual said, “Melania is thrilled. It takes all her strength not to laugh hysterically.”



 

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Steve Scalise mocked Democratic arguments that voter ID laws amount to suppression, calling their debate 'embarrassing'
1 hour ago
Marjorie Taylor Greene said a dispute over the files led to a clash with President Donald Trump, who she claimed threatened to primary her
1 hour ago
GSA deputy cautioned 7-Eleven that denying service to federal agents could threaten its participation in government fuel and fleet programs
1 hour ago
Steve Bannon said protesters were not peaceful and aimed to break the spirit of ICE, adding Donald Trump was trying to accommodate and negotiate
2 hours ago
Wes Moore said he would not attend if the meeting became 'name-calling' and emphasized he 'will work with anyone but bow down to no one'
3 hours ago
Speaking outside the Capitol, AOC linked Republican majorities to Trump’s policy gains and urged voter action in the midterm elections
3 hours ago
Donald Trump delivered the remarks to House Republicans at the Kennedy Center, renamed in his honor by his appointees
4 hours ago
Jacob Frey said hundreds or thousands of people were affected and stressed that accountability must come through the justice system
5 hours ago
Kristi Noem says the DHS funding stalemate endangers airport security, disaster response and Coast Guard operations, urging lawmakers to act swiftly
5 hours ago
President Donald Trump said the 'SAVE Act' is now the 'Save America Act,' adding that Democrats oppose the renamed bill
6 hours ago