Fighter jet formation flies over White House to celebrate Trump's 80th birthday

A spectacular aerial display featuring U.S. military demonstration squadrons Blue Angels and Thunderbirds soared over the White House's South Lawn on June 14, marking a unique celebration of former President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The flyover occurred as singer Zac Brown concluded the U.S. national anthem, kicking off the UFC Freedom 250 event.

The fighter jets executed a Super Delta formation above the White House, with Trump and UFC CEO Dana White observing from the South Portico. UFC commentator Joe Rogan described the scene as "the most surreal thing" he had ever witnessed. A video shared by the White House on social media platform X was captioned, "A spectacular display... God bless America."

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A spectacular display... God bless America.

The event, held on the White House grounds, was part of UFC Freedom 250, a mixed martial arts competition organized by UFC to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The celebration included various military and entertainment acts, such as a parachute team, a Marine Corps drill unit, and a motocross stunt group. UFC covered the approximately $60 million cost of the event.

However, the spectacle also drew criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of hosting a large-scale combat sports event at the White House amid domestic and international challenges. Analysts suggested the event served as a display of Trump's vitality as he reached 80, contrasting with recent public observations of his age. The event's timing and scale were seen by some as a personal birthday celebration rather than solely a patriotic commemoration.

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the most surreal thing