THE 2025 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BALL: HONORING SERVICEMEMBERS & CELEBRATING TRADITION
The 2025 Commander-in-Chief Ball was a dazzling tribute to the service and sacrifice of America’s military members, held as part of the inaugural celebrations for President Donald Trump. From stirring speeches to lively performances, the evening underscored the deep gratitude the nation holds for its armed forces. Below, we’re taking a look back at the most memorable moments of the night. Here’s a recap of the event’s most memorable moments.
Trump Attends a Number of Inaugural Balls
Trump and first Lady Melania attended three inaugural presidential balls to celebrate his 2025 inauguration on Monday evening. The three balls—the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Freedom Ball—are designed to bring together diverse groups of Americans to celebrate the start of a new administration.
These events date back to George Washington’s presidency, though the modern tradition of multiple balls began with President Eisenhower. The Commander-in-Chief Ball, in particular, honors military members, Veterans, and their families, ensuring they are at the heart of the nation’s festivities.
The Commander-in-Chief Ball
First up was the Commander-in-Chief Ball, which is geared towards service members. The president and the first lady entered and danced to “An American Trilogy” by Elvis Presley.
During his speech, Trump gave shoutouts to the Space Force, military spouses and service members, thanking them for their service to the country.
He stated, “We are joined this evening by the service members from every branch of the US Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Space Force.” I salute you all. Let me also thank our incredible military spouses. What you have to put up with. They put up with a lot.”
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, was seen posing for pictures at the ball. Other famous faces included actor Jon Voight, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The Liberty Ball
Trump also attended the Liberty Ball, which is designated for supporters of the President to attend. There, country singer Jason Aldean performed, and Nelly also took the stage.
Additional attendees of the ball included Ivanka Trump, who has chosen not to return to the White House, and her husband Jared Kushner.
The Starlight Ball
At the Starlight Ball, country singer Gavin DeGraw was the star performer. Guests invited to this event were generally major donors of the president’s campaign.
Trump Talks to Service Members in South Korea at the Commander in Chief Ball
One of the highlights of the evening was President Trump’s live address to service members stationed at a U.S. base in South Korea. Speaking via satellite, the President thanked the troops for their dedication and service, acknowledging their critical role in maintaining peace and stability in a volatile region.
“How’s Kim Jong Un doing?” Trump quipped to the American soldiers. “How are you? That’s a good-looking group of people, isn't it?,” he asked the crowd at the ball. Then Trump stated, “Your courage and vigilance stand as a beacon of freedom.”
Trump also pledged to ensure that the military remains the best-equipped and most respected force in the world. His words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the bond between the commander-in-chief and the armed forces.
Trump & Vance Perform the Ceremonial Cake Cutting
The Commander-in-Chief Ball is as much about celebration as it is about ceremony, and President Trump embraced both aspects with enthusiasm. He and First Lady Melania Trump took to the dance floor, waltzing to a medley of patriotic tunes.
In a nod to military tradition, Trump and Vance both used a ceremonial sword to cut the inaugural cake, an act that drew cheers and applause from attendees.
“The Secret Service is getting very nervous right now,” Vance joked as he cut the cake. Before leaving, the President did one final dance to the “YMCA,” with saber still in hand.
Trump Promises to Build a Powerful Military
During his remarks at the ball, President Trump laid out his vision for a stronger, more formidable military.
He stated, “Like in 2017, we will build the strongest military the world has ever seen. We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but by the wars that we end and the wars we never get into. We are going to invest in the latest technology and resources to make sure our armed forces are unmatched anywhere in the world.”
Among the initiatives he highlighted was a plan to enhance the readiness of all branches of the military and increase defense spending to address emerging global threats.
Creating an Iron Dome
A particularly ambitious element of Trump’s address was his proposal to develop a comprehensive “Iron Dome” defense system for the United States.
Modeled after Israel’s successful missile defense network, this system would aim to shield the nation from aerial and missile threats.
Trump described the initiative as a critical step in safeguarding America’s security and its people.
A Night to Remember, Honoring Our Military
The 2025 Commander-in-Chief Ball captured the essence of the American tradition of honoring those who serve while celebrating the peaceful transition of power. From President Trump’s inspiring remarks to world-class performances, the event was a heartfelt expression of national pride and gratitude.
Trump ended the night at the Starlight Ball at Union Station. He closed out the evening dancing to the chorus of “Glory, Glory Hallelujah.” In the final dance of the night, Trump took to the dance floor with his family and the Vances to dance to “I Did It My Way.”
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