On Saturday, the National Mall was filled with flags, military tributes, and cheers as Americans came together to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were among those in attendance, joining active-duty service members, veterans, and thousands of supporters for the milestone event.
But while the public enjoyed the patriotic atmosphere, some cable news commentators expressed visible surprise that the occasion wasn’t marked by political division or tension. MSNBC host Chris Hayes remarked during live coverage that the event didn’t carry what he described as the “dark, malevolent energy” he had felt at Trump rallies in the past.
“Not always, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the energy on the Mall today, which I think is a good sign, right?” Hayes said to on-the-ground correspondent Ali Velshi, who echoed the sentiment. “Correct,” Velshi replied, saying he was “surprised by the number of people… watching, cheering, and then would come and ask to take a selfie.”
Velshi noted that while there was the occasional political sign—such as one reading “TRUMP 2028”—the overwhelming majority of attendees were simply there to honor the military, not to engage in partisan discourse. “People seem to be going out of their way to say that they’re here to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday,” he said.
Over at MSNBC, they're almost SHOCKED the celebration of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday isn't "tense" and doesn't have "dark, malevolent energy."
These people… pic.twitter.com/ZO0fxWohsI
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 15, 2025
This tone stood in sharp contrast to how Trump-related gatherings are often portrayed in media coverage. Instead of conflict or confrontation, the scene on the ground reflected unity, celebration, and widespread public support for the armed forces. Families waved flags, service members were applauded, and the focus remained on the Army’s proud legacy.
Despite this, the surprise expressed by commentators underscores a persistent disconnect between media narratives and what many Americans experience firsthand at patriotic events. Rather than acknowledging the broad support for honoring military service, coverage often defaults to suspicion or criticism when political figures like Trump are present.
Still, the event spoke for itself. People from different walks of life stood shoulder to shoulder to celebrate a military institution older than the nation itself. They applauded not just speeches, but the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers.
The fact that some in the media were shocked by the positivity on display is telling. It shows just how far removed elite narratives can be from ground-level reality—where ordinary citizens still take pride in their country, cheer for their troops, and refuse to let political bias poison every American tradition.
