Trump drops bold and pro-masculinity Father’s Day message as he celebrates dads who 'lead through action'

President Donald Trump dropped a proclamation to commemorate fathers everywhere, using the occasion to give a shoutout to the 'custodians of strength'
President Donald Trump leaned hard into traditional family roles, applauding fathers who 'lead through action, speak with purpose, and impart wisdom honed by experience' (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump leaned hard into traditional family roles, applauding fathers who 'lead through action, speak with purpose, and impart wisdom honed by experience' (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump isn’t the kind of guy who lets a holiday pass without offering his take on it — and this Father’s Day was no different.

On Friday, June 13, the president dropped a proclamation to commemorate fathers everywhere — using the occasion to give a shoutout to the “custodians of our strength," the Daily Wire reported. 

U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions after signing a series of bills related to California’s vehicle emissions standards during an event in the East Room of the White House on June 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. Members of Congress passed the bills using the Congressional Review Act and the effect would largely revoke the emissions standards enacted by the state of California. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump takes questions after signing a series of bills related to California’s vehicle emissions standards during an event in the East Room of the White House on June 12, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Donald Trump’s Father’s Day message

"America’s fathers are the custodians of our strength, the leaders of our families, and the protectors of our security and safety,” he said in a statement posted on the White House website. “This Father’s Day, my Administration pays tribute to every father whose fierce love, heroic devotion, and inspiring example are molding the next generation.”

“Whether by birth, adoption, or father figures, America’s dads help shape the character and future of our Nation,” Trump continued. “Through their example, they instill strength, integrity, and perseverance in their children. They rise early, work late, make sacrifices, and remain steadfast in their love and commitment to their families.”

The president leaned hard into traditional family roles, applauding fathers who “lead through action, speak with purpose, and impart wisdom honed by experience.” 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 20: Former U.S. President Donald Trump and his kids Ivanka Trump and Eric
President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump, and their children at the St Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church during her funeral on July 20, 2022, in New York City (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)

“From their children’s earliest days as infants through their journey into adulthood, fathers leave a lasting influence that reaches far beyond the walls of their homes,” the statement added. “The presence of a father also serves to plant the seeds of virtue and instill American values in their children.”

“For many, dads are the first to teach the value of hard work, love of country, and the importance of living with conviction," added the 79-year-old POTUS, who is a father himself.

Trump has five children from three marriages—Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Eric with Ivana; Tiffany with Marla; and Barron with Melania. He is also a grandfather of eleven.

(L-R) Eric Trump, Lara Yunaska Trump, Donald Trump, Barron Trump, Melania Trump, Vanessa Haydon Trump, Kai Madison Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Donald John Trump III, and Ivanka Trump pose for photos on stage after Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the U.S. presidency at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015 in New York City. Trump is the 12th Republican who has announced running for the White House (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images)
(L-R) Eric Trump, Lara Yunaska Trump, Donald Trump, Barron Trump, Melania Trump, Vanessa Haydon Trump, Kai Madison Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Donald John Trump III, and Ivanka Trump pose for photos on stage after Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015, in New York City (Christopher Gregory/Getty Images)

Donald Trump takes aim at ‘gender ideology’ in Father's Day message

In the same proclamation that was meant to honor dads, Donald Trump appeared to draw a direct line from fatherhood to the broader culture war about gender identity.

He promised that his administration would fight to shield children from what he called “the toxic lies of gender ideology.” He also looped in law and order politics, pledging to keep “our neighborhoods safe by backing our law enforcement, crushing violent crime, and ensuring our southern border remains sealed and secure.”

“Together, we are building a Nation where fathers can lead with strength, protect their families, and pass on the timeless values that make America great," he added. 

U.S. President Donald Trump (3R) and first lady Melania Trump (2R) stand with their family members following his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination on the South Lawn of the White House August 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. Trump gave the speech in front of 1500 invited guests.
President Donald Trump (3R) and first lady Melania Trump (2R) stand with their family members following his acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination on the South Lawn of the White House, August 27, 2020, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

It was a clear dig at the Democrats, many of whom have increasingly used terms like “birthing people” or “menstruating people” in an effort to be inclusive, choices that many in the MAGA world see as absurd and insulting to traditional gender roles.

“Today, we celebrate our fathers' invaluable role in shaping our families, guiding our communities, and strengthening our country — and we offer our unending thanks for their leadership, selflessness, and inspiration,” Trump concluded.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump reaches out to embrace son Barron Trump as First Lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump (C), Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump look on after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump reaches out to embrace son Barron Trump as First Lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump (C), Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump look on after his inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Donald Trump's birthday parade

Saturday was Donald Trump's 79th birthday, and he celebrated it with tanks, troops, and a full-blown military parade through Washington, DC.

It was a birthday bash as well as a patriotic flex all packaged in one, folded neatly into a grand salute to the Army’s 250th anniversary.

Despite gloomy skies and a light drizzle, Trump took center stage on a special viewing stand south of the White House as over 6,000 soldiers and 128 tanks marched down Constitution Avenue. He stood and saluted the troops, while the Golden Knights parachute team made an early descent thanks to the weather. 



 

While officials predicted a massive 200,000-strong turnout, muggy heat and possible storms kept plenty of would-be spectators at home.

But Trump didn’t let that rain on his parade. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It is about time America did too,” he declared.



 

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