Trump to Mark Fourth of July by Honoring B-2 Pilots Behind Iran Strike
The White House will commemorate the nation’s 249th birthday this year with military flyovers and visits from the B-2 pilots who successfully flew a mission into Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said this week President Trump had invited the pilots who bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities to his residence, where they will be honored.
“President Trump looks forward to celebrating our nation's founding on Friday in the nation's capital,” Leavitt said. “To join in the celebration, the might of America's Air Force will conduct a flyover featuring our state-of-the-art F-22s, B-2s, and F-35s -- the same air capabilities used for the decisive and successful strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.”
Trump also is expected to deliver remarks. It remains unclear, though, whether the B-2 pilots will be identified publicly. Military officials told ABC News this week that “airmen involved in sensitive missions are briefed on the risks and vulnerabilities” of revealing their identity -- a move that could potentially put them in harm’s way.
The B-2 pilots were critical to “Operation Midnight Hammer,” in which stealth bombers carried out a high-risk, long-range strike on Iranian nuclear sites with few around the world knowing until the mission was complete.
Meanwhile, the annual Washington, D.C. event known as “A Capitol Fourth” will once again precede the nighttime D.C. fireworks, with musical performances from gospel, pop, country, R&B and classical artists. PBS will air it live, as Alfonso Ribeiro returns to host.
Performers include The Beach Boys, Christian artist Lauren Daigle, Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, Motown stars The Temptations, country singer Josh Turner, musician Trombone Shorty, country group LOCASH and American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter.
A Capitol Fourth also will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, while honoring veterans of World War II for the 80th anniversary of its end.
A Capitol Fourth airs live July 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Joe Raedle/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published July 03, 2025.
