The president previously received a cease-and-desist notice from songwriter John Fogerty for using the song during his 2020 presidential campaign.
Yes, “Fortunate Son” Was Played at Trump’s Military Parade — and the Irony Was Not Lost
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During a military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025 — which also marked Donald Trump’s 79th birthday — the U.S. Army Band Downrange performed “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a song famously known for criticizing the draft system during the Vietnam War.
Originally released in 1969, “Fortunate Son” is a protest anthem that calls out how wealthy and politically connected Americans were often able to avoid the draft, while working-class men were sent to fight. The decision to play it during a military celebration sparked immediate reactions online, with many pointing out the song’s anti-elitist message. Clips of the performance circulated widely across X, Facebook, and Bluesky, with users highlighting the unintended irony.
Confirmed by Footage
The moment was not a rumor. The full parade is available on the White House’s official YouTube channel, and the song begins playing at around the 1 hour and 25 minute mark as the 7th Infantry Division is introduced. The clip matches versions shared on social media and reported by outlets like C-SPAN.
Was It a Protest?
While some speculated the band played the song as a subtle form of protest, there’s no confirmed evidence supporting that theory. The U.S. Army Band Downrange is known for performing a mix of rock, pop, country, and patriotic music to connect with diverse audiences.
Trump’s History with “Fortunate Son”
This isn’t the first time Trump has used the song. He featured it during his 2020 campaign, which prompted strong criticism from Fortunate Son’s writer, John Fogerty, who described the move as deeply ironic. Fogerty, a Vietnam-era veteran who was drafted, said the song was written to call out exactly the kind of privilege that allowed people like Trump — who received five draft deferments, including one for alleged “bone spurs” — to avoid military service.
“It’s a song I could have written now,” Fogerty said in 2020. “It seems like [Trump] is probably the Fortunate Son.”
Fogerty even issued a cease-and-desist letter in 2020, saying Trump’s use of the song was inappropriate given his record and messaging.
Other Songs Played
“Fortunate Son” wasn’t the only song that stirred controversy. Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Heart’s “Barracuda” were also played. After the parade, Nancy Wilson of Heart condemned the unauthorized use of “Barracuda”, stating on Instagram that neither she nor the band had approved it.
The Bigger Picture
The inclusion of “Fortunate Son” at a parade tied to Trump and the U.S. military highlights ongoing tensions around political symbolism and music. Though some saw it as a mistake, others interpreted it as a powerful — if unintentional — reminder of the gap between patriotic spectacle and lived experience.
Snopes has confirmed the performance took place and has contacted the White House and America 250 (the parade organizers) for an official set list. This story will be updated if they respond.
Sources: – YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTH9p7Gl5ME. Accessed 17 June 2025.
III, Leo Shane. “Trump Made up Injury to Dodge Vietnam Service, His Former Lawyer Testifies.” Military Times, 5 Mar. 2019, https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/02/27/trumps-lawyer-no-basis-for-presidents-medical-deferment-from-vietnam/.
NJ.com, Amy Kuperinsky |. NJ Advance Media for. “Heart Says Trump Military Parade Used Their Song ‘without Permission or Authorization.'” Nj, 15 June 2025, https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/06/rock-hall-of-famers-say-trump-military-parade-used-their-music-without-permission-or-authorization.html.
Steve Eder and Dave Philipps. “Donald Trump’s Draft Deferments: Four for College, One for Bad Feet.” The New York Times, 1 Aug. 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/02/us/politics/donald-trump-draft-record.html.
“The U.S. Army Band Downrange.” The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” https://usarmyband.com/ensembles/the-u-s-army-band-downrange. Accessed 17 June 2025.
User Clip: “Fortunate Son” Played during Military Parade in DC | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/clip/public-affairs-event/user-clip-fortunate-son-played-during-military-parade-in-dc/5165581. Accessed 17 June 2025.
Willman, Chris. “Was Someone Trolling Trump by Playing Creedence’s Draft-Dodger-Slamming ‘Fortunate Son’ at His Military Parade? Or Is It Just the Further Death of Irony?” Variety, 15 June 2025, https://variety.com/2025/music/columns/trump-fortunate-son-creedence-military-parade-draft-dodging-1236432479/.
