The U.S. Navy delivered an extravagant show of military power to impress President Donald Trump on Sunday after a less-than-successful anniversary event earlier this year. Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, attended the 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The Navy’s special demonstration was a response to Trump’s dissatisfaction with the June event marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The Army’s celebration in Washington, D.C. had been marred by protests and a less-than-impressive turnout. While the event was intended to honor the Army’s history, it was overshadowed by massive “No Kings” protests across the nation, which were attended by millions.
Critics widely regarded the event as a flop, with viral footage showing soldiers marching out of step and President Trump’s birthday celebration feeling flat. Even the First Lady was seen resting her eyes during the procession, further adding to the sense of disappointment.
The Army’s anniversary cost taxpayers $30 million, but the lack of fanfare led to public criticism. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump wanted a redo of the parade, hoping that the Navy could give him a more dazzling experience. The Navy didn’t disappoint.
Sunday’s event gave Trump and the First Lady a personalized spectacle that included a fighter jet emblazoned with “President Donald J. Trump ‘45-47’” soaring above them. The couple stood on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush supercarrier as Navy destroyers fired missiles and shells into the Atlantic. Navy SEALs jumped from helicopters, adding to the grand display of force.
Trump, clearly impressed, shared his thoughts with the crowd of 10,000 sailors. “I was just given a display with the wonderful First Lady, the likes of which I think few people have ever seen before,” Trump remarked. “The display of strength was absolutely incredible.”
As Navy planes flew overhead, Trump gave a 45-minute speech, which included moments of confusion, such as when he struggled to remember the title of one of his own books. “In the book, I wrote, whatever the hell the title, I can’t tell you, but I can tell you there’s a page in there devoted to the fact that I saw somebody named Osama bin Laden, and I didn’t like it, and you got to take care of him,” Trump said, though he was unable to recall the name of the book.
Trump also took time to praise his former White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, who once claimed the president was healthier than his predecessors. “At a press conference, they asked [Jackson], ‘Who’s in the best shape? Who’s the healthiest? Who’s the strongest? Who’s the best physical specimen of the three?’ He said, ‘That’s easy: President Donald Trump,’” Trump recalled, adding, “I love this guy.”
As he concluded his speech, Trump walked off stage to the Village People’s disco anthem “Y.M.C.A.,” a song now associated with the MAGA movement despite its origins as a gay anthem.