Donald Trump is no stranger to controversial headlines, and his latest Memorial Day remarks are no exception. Whether it’s his off-script moments or unexpected jabs, the POTUS has a habit of using of making even the most serious moments all about him. Monday’s speech at Arlington National Cemetery followed suit.
Speaking to a crowd of Gold Star families and military officials, Trump took the stage at the Arlington National Amphitheatre to pay tribute to America’s fallen soldiers, but couldn’t resist veering off message to talk about his own successes.
This is a president. Real leadership. President Trump gave a speech and acknowledgment on Memorial Day. He loves our military. He isn’t looking down at his watch on this day. #NeverForget our fallen. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RCDrdTAkAp
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) May 26, 2025
“In addition, we have the World Cup and we have the Olympics,” Trump said, after noting that he’ll be hosting a military parade in Washington, DC on June 14, which also happens to be his 79th birthday. “Can you imagine I missed that four years? And now look what I have, I have everything. Amazing the way things work out.”
He referred to the upcoming parade as a “big, big celebration”, and added, “I’m glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldn’t be your president.”
The parade, set to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, doubled as a moment of personal celebration. Though it was warmly received by the crowd, the internet didn’t let it slide.
Earlier in the day, Trump had also posted on social media, writing, “Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country,” a message that drew immediate backlash.
This is what Donald Trump posted for Memorial Day. He’s not honoring our fallen soldiers and the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Instead, he’s talking about himself. Always about himself. It’s disgusting. pic.twitter.com/m15utYpTbC
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) May 27, 2024
Harry Sisson noted on X, “This is the Memorial Day message Trump decided to post. There is not a single mention of our fallen troops, veterans, or anyone who has served. What a total disgrace.” Another user noted, “This is the Memorial Day message from Trump. He is the most disgusting, disgraceful, hateful, vile embarrassment to our country and the entire world.”
During the event, Trump did strike emotional notes at times, especially when introducing families of fallen soldiers. Speaking to the young sons of naval officer Shannon Kent, who died in Syria six years ago, he said: “Let me say your mum was a hero and her love, her strength, and her spirit are always with us and always with you.”
The event also featured speeches from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance. Hegseth declared the U.S. “must be prepared for war” while Vance urged restraint, saying, “The very best way to honour the fallen is to only ask the next generation to make the ultimate sacrifice when they absolutely must.”
Russian state media says that trump is suffering from an emotional overload, basically calling him a bitch… what happened to ending this war in 24 hours, putin sees trump for what he really is, a paper tiger, a clown…a straight up bitch
— Quienton (@BigDawg31779) May 26, 2025
Meanwhile, tensions with Russia hovered over the backdrop of the ceremony. Just a day before, Trump called Vladimir Putin “crazy” in response to recent drone and missile attacks in Ukraine. The Russian government clapped back by accusing Trump of having “emotional overload.”
Even on a day meant for remembrance, Trump found a way to mix personal celebration, military praise, and political jabs. With Trump at the podium, even remembrance comes with a side of self-promotion.
Scroll below to see more clicks from the event.
