Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel have drawn criticism for mocking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebration that took place over the weekend.

According to Breitbart, both late-night comedians derided the military parade as "big, stupid, and boring" while President Trump used the occasion to honor America's soldiers.

The parade, which reportedly cost around $50 million to produce, became fodder for jokes on Monday night television as both hosts targeted the event's attendance and presentation rather than focusing on its historical significance.

Comedians Attack Military Celebration

"After all the hype, and money, somewhere around 50 million dollars, it was... boring," Kimmel remarked during his Monday broadcast of "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The comedian compared the military parade to "a 50-million-dollar version of when a five-year-old shows you every car in his Hot Wheels Collection."

Kimmel, who reportedly spent his weekend at an anti-Trump "No Kings" march in Los Angeles, continued his criticism by making references to "flyovers" and "combovers," in an apparent jab at both the military aircraft displays and the president's hairstyle.

CBS host Stephen Colbert similarly mocked the event on "The Late Show," incorrectly framing it as a celebration for the president. "This weekend was Father's Day, and Daddy got just what he wanted: No one came to Trump's big, stupid birthday parade," Colbert told his audience.

Disputed Attendance Claims Fuel Media Narrative

Colbert challenged the White House's attendance figures, showing footage of what appeared to be sparse crowds. "No one came though, of course, the White House claims that 250,000 people attended. So now apparently a quarter of a million people looks like this," he said while displaying images of the event.

The late-night host expressed sympathy for service members who participated, noting, "It was so sparsely attended that these poor troops were forced to march past empty bleachers. You guys, I don't think our parents came to our show. It's not fair to the soldiers."

Both comedians' comments focused primarily on criticizing the event's execution and attendance rather than acknowledging its historical significance for the military branch that predates the nation's founding.

President's Remarks Honored Military Service

While the late-night hosts concentrated on ridiculing the parade, President Trump used the occasion to express gratitude to service members. During his address at the event, Trump made no connection between the Army's anniversary and his own birthday.

Instead, the president delivered remarks focused on honoring the military branch's legacy and the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout American history. "Tonight, we affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead and in every generation hence, whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American soldier will be there," Trump said during the ceremony.

Trump's speech emphasized the continued importance of the Army in securing American freedom and safety. He praised the dedication of service members who risk their lives for the country.

Contrasting Narratives Shape Public Perception

The differing approaches to the U.S. Army's milestone anniversary highlight the ongoing polarization in American media coverage. Late-night comedians Colbert and Kimmel portrayed the event as a poorly attended, wasteful celebration connected to Trump's personal interests.

Their characterization contrasted sharply with the White House's presentation of the parade as a solemn recognition of military service and sacrifice spanning two and a half centuries of American history.

The controversy surrounding the Army's 250th anniversary celebration underscores the challenge of commemorating military traditions in a politically divided environment, where even historical milestones can become subjects of partisan commentary.