Fort Bragg Hosts Army 250th Celebration with Visit from President Trump

Fort Bragg, NC — On June 10, 2025, thousands gathered at Fort Bragg to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. The event blended ceremonial honors with live military demonstrations and included a high-profile visit from President Donald J. Trump.

The Army 250 celebration highlighted Fort Bragg’s long-standing role in military excellence and national defense. Units from the XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command supported the day’s events. Families, veterans, and active-duty service members attended the full-day observance honoring the Army’s legacy.

President Trump arrived aboard Marine One at Pike Field around 2:50 p.m., flying in over the crowd after traveling to Pope Army Airfield earlier aboard a Boeing 757. While on the installation, the President observed military demonstrations and later delivered a keynote speech.

Military leadership in attendance included Gen. John P. Cogbill, Deputy Commander of XVIII Airborne Corps, Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Weimer, and Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll. These officials were seen greeting each other at Pope Army Airfield and were present to formally represent the Department of the Army during this milestone event.

One of the key highlights was a live-fire and airborne demonstration at Holland Drop Zone. The 18th Field Artillery Brigade initiated the sequence with long-range precision artillery fire. This was followed by fast-rope insertions by special operations forces. More than 600 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division jumped from C-17 Globemasters and C-130 Hercules aircraft, offering a powerful display of the Army’s rapid deployment capabilities.

During his speech, President Trump expressed his support for military readiness and proposed a $1 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2026. He also referenced the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles related to immigration enforcement protests.

The President used the term “foreign enemies” to describe some protestors and claimed, without providing names, that a financial backer was behind the organized demonstrations. In response, the administration deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal deployment, labeling it “a dangerous overreach” and warning that such actions could escalate tensions in communities across the country.

Trump also stated that he may consider invoking the Insurrection Act, a rarely used federal law that allows the President to deploy active-duty troops domestically in cases of civil unrest or rebellion. Protests are scheduled to continue nationwide throughout the week, including one planned for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Cross Creek Linear Park in downtown Fayetteville.

The President also referenced Fort Bragg’s recent name changes — part of a nationwide military base renaming initiative. He stated his intention to restore traditional names to several bases, including Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Robert E. Lee.

Fort Bragg’s celebration is part of a nationwide observance of the Army’s 250th anniversary. The next major event will be a military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Saturday, June 14 — which coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday. That parade is expected to feature over 7,000 troops, 130 military vehicles, and cost an estimated $45 million.

As Fort Bragg and its surrounding communities continue to play a critical role in national defense, Tuesday’s celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and civic responsibilities.

Regardless of political beliefs, what unites Americans is greater than what divides us. Patriotism is more than display — it is a commitment to service, mutual respect, and a future that includes all.

In honoring 250 years of Army service, this event served as a call to unity, civility, and compassion — values that define the best of America.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News
Photos by Staff Sgt. Cory Reese, Pfc. Darius Smith,  Pfc. Alexis Fischer,  Sgt. Gianna Sulger, and Spc. Hermon Whaley Jr., U.S. Army