WASHINGTON (AP) – Fourth of July celebrations in Washington are getting the Trump treatment this year. Besides a traditional parade Thursday morning, an annual evening concert at the Capitol plus fireworks over the National Mall, President Donald Trump is hosting an hour long event in the early evening that he’s dubbed “Salute to America.”
Tomorrow will be a fantastic Fourth of July celebration with increased access across the National Mall! Thanks to a generous donation, Americans will be treated to the biggest fireworks display ever in our Nation’s capital.
1600 Daily: https://t.co/A68ueVC88u pic.twitter.com/33oBdk97hE
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 3, 2019
Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in the District of Columbia after he witnessed a similar parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017 . That plan eventually was scuttled, partly because of cost, though Trump apparently held on to the idea.
Salute to America is almost here! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/iSMFzUBgEj
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 3, 2019
Local officials also had objected because of the damage the heavy armored tanks could do to city streets.
“We’re going to have some tanks stationed outside,” Trump said Monday from the Oval Office, appearing to acknowledge local officials’ earlier concerns.
@realDonaldTrump tweeted about the planned event on Wednesday.
The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth. We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019
Critics of the president’s program at the Lincoln Memorial worry it will become a political event. White House officials say Trump’s remarks will be patriotic.
