President Donald Trump faced widespread criticism after making a significant historical error during a speech at Fort Bragg on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, incorrectly claiming that multiple countries had recently celebrated the end of World War I while asserting American victory in the conflict.
During his address at the North Carolina military installation, which serves as headquarters for the military’s Special Operations Command, Trump stated that the United States did not participate in recent World War I commemorations despite claiming America won the war. He told the assembled service members and their families that without American involvement, citizens would be speaking German, adding that there might be “a little Japanese thrown in.”
The president’s assertion about Japanese language influence represents a fundamental historical inaccuracy, as Japan fought alongside the Allied forces during World War I. Japan was aligned with the United States, France, Great Britain, Russia, and Italy against the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. Military historians noted that Trump appeared to be conflating World War I with World War II, which featured different alliances and is traditionally commemorated on Victory in Europe Day.
The speech occurred as Los Angeles experienced ongoing clashes between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials over Trump’s comprehensive deportation policies. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll attended the Fort Bragg event, which took place days before the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.
The timing of Trump’s remarks coincided with preparations for a massive military parade scheduled for Saturday, June 14, which marks both the Army’s milestone anniversary and the president’s 79th birthday. Washington, D.C. officials installed 18 miles of anti-scale fencing and deployed multiple drones despite the city’s usual no-fly zone restrictions in preparation for the event.
Secret Service Washington Field Office representative Matt McCool indicated that hundreds of thousands of spectators were expected, with military officials estimating approximately 200,000 participants would attend the festivities. The event received designation as a National Special Security Event, requiring coordination between local law enforcement, the FBI, Capitol Police, and the National Guard under Secret Service leadership.
Security preparations included deployment of 175 magnetometers at checkpoints for both daytime activities and the evening parade. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith warned of major traffic impacts and recommended early arrival using public transportation. “We’re relying on the public to be an extra set of ears and eyes for us,” McCool stated regarding the comprehensive security planning.
The proposed military parade drew significant opposition from the American public, according to polling data from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey revealed that 60 percent of Americans considered the parade an inappropriate use of public funds, with 80 percent of Democratic voters, 72 percent of Independent voters, and 35 percent of Republican voters expressing disapproval.
Cost estimates for the parade ranged between $25 million and $40 million, according to Army projections. Critics argued these funds could be better allocated to veterans’ services, public infrastructure, or military readiness programs. The event drew comparisons to Trump’s controversial 2019 “Salute to America” celebration held on Independence Day, which featured similar military displays.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky expressed reservations about the military parade concept, comparing such displays to those associated with North Korea or the Soviet Union rather than American traditions. Paul indicated that military parades featuring tanks and missiles on city streets were foreign to American heritage and democratic values.
Weather forecasts suggested potential thunderstorms could disrupt the Saturday parade, adding uncertainty to the planned festivities. The Washington Post reported meteorological concerns that could affect the outdoor celebration and military demonstrations.
Authorities remained vigilant about potential immigration-related demonstrations spreading from Los Angeles to the nation’s capital. Officials developed comprehensive plans for managing civil disobedience and maintaining security during the high-profile event, which was expected to attract protesters alongside supporters.
The Fort Bragg speech and subsequent parade preparations occurred amid broader political tensions, with Trump facing approval ratings showing 60 percent disapproval of his overall job performance. Independent voters registered 71 percent disapproval, while 53 percent of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with his immigration policies, according to the polling data.
The historical error regarding World War I alliances highlighted ongoing concerns about Trump’s grasp of military history during a speech intended to honor American armed forces. The Armistice Day commemoration typically occurs on November 11 annually, marking the actual end of World War I hostilities in 1918.
