President Donald Trump presided over a swearing-in ceremony for dozens of new recruits and re-enlisting soldiers at a Saturday evening parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

In the United States Army, such ceremonies are typically conducted by commissioned officers or warrant officers – but that is not always the case. When Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve after a 15-year break in service, it was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who conducted his swearing-in ceremony. And as the sitting Commander in Chief, President Donald Trump took the opportunity to conduct the ceremony that took place on Saturday.

“Special moment as Soldiers renew their oath to serve and future Soldiers take the oath led by the Commander-in-Chief @POTUS #Army250 birthday parade,” the U.S. Army shared video of the ceremony.

WATCH:

Special moment as Soldiers renew their oath to serve and future Soldiers take the oath led by the Commander-in-Chief @POTUS during #Army250 birthday parade. https://t.co/fSeVYPtfGK

— U.S. Army (@USArmy) June 15, 2025

“Mr. President, 1st Sergeant Norton, reporting for duty, Sir. Ready to commence the ceremony as directed,” a 1st Sergeant wearing a 101st Airborne patch said as he turned the ceremony over to the president, and he administered the oath of enlistment.

“I, _____ , do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

“Congratulations!” Trump said as the soldiers completed the oath. “Congratulations. And welcome to the United States Army and have a great life! Thank you very much, have a great life. Thank you.”

“Welcome to the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. Make us proud,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted along with video from the ceremony.

Welcome to the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.

Make us proud. https://t.co/GUkshbzM2U

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 15, 2025

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) came out as firmly pro-parade as many elected Democrats and media talking heads panned the planned parade that took place on Saturday celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.

Fetterman shared a post from the Army’s official account showing the parade in real time, and added the following caption: “This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us. Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service.”

The Pennsylvania Senator followed that with an American flag emoji.

This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us.

Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/YghyZkK2JS

— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 14, 2025

“It’s really amazing that there’s only one Democratic senator capable of hitting a layup,” Peter Hasson commented.

It’s really amazing that there’s only one Democratic senator capable of hitting a layup https://t.co/h23KYsMrxJ

— Peter J. Hasson (@peterjhasson) June 14, 2025

“Being for the Army is the lowest bar in US politics … Only ONE Democratic Senator could get over it …” Andrew Follett added.

Being for the Army is the lowest bar in US politics…

Only ONE Democratic Senator could get over it… https://t.co/TNin52e0Gg

— Andrew Follett (@AndrewCFollett) June 14, 2025

“He’s so getting kicked out of the Democrat party!” another posted.

He’s so getting kicked out of the Democrat party! https://t.co/XERqnsjSPF

— Rich Zeoli 🇺🇸 (@Richzeoli) June 14, 2025

Critics, like the cohosts of ABC’s “The View,” attempted to spin the parade as a birthday celebration to honor President Trump — who happened to celebrate his 79th birthday on June 14th as well — and complained that the image of soldiers marching by in their uniforms would look like something out of North Korea, Russia, or Europe in the 1930s.

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“Tanks will be rolling through the nation’s capital along with 7,000 marching soldiers to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army … and it happens to be his 79th birthday, what a coincidence!” Joy Behar complained.

The View’s Sara Haines HATES America’s troops. She says they’re going tot look like Nazis and North Koreans marching through DC:
“When I think of military parades, I think of Russia, I think of North Korea. I have these visuals of people saluting and doing things and that’s just… pic.twitter.com/MO6b1rbwkM

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) June 13, 2025

“When I think of military parades, I think of Russia, I think of North Korea. I have these visuals of people saluting and doing things and that’s just not what I think of when I think of the U.S. … a parade that harkens World War II propaganda…” Sara Haines added.