President Donald Trump will completely abandon the tradition of having a non-partisan Fourth of July celebration this year on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and instead focus the day on himself, his administration, and his so-called accomplishments as president, according to The Washington Post.
Back in February, Trump hinted that he was already in the planning stages for this year’s Independence Day:
HOLD THE DATE! We will be having one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C., on July 4th. It will be called “A Salute To America” and will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. Major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019
The Post reports:
President Trump has effectively taken charge of the nation’s premier Fourth of July celebration in Washington, moving the gargantuan fireworks display from its usual spot on the Mall to be closer to the Potomac River and making tentative plans to address the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, according to top administration officials.
The president’s starring role has the potential to turn what has long been a nonpartisan celebration of the nation’s founding into another version of a Trump campaign rally. Officials said it is unclear how much the changes may cost, but the plans have already raised alarms among city officials and some lawmakers about the potential impact of such major alterations to a time-honored and well-organized summer tradition.
That idea isn’t sitting well with some in Congress. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) said she fears that placing the focus on Trump could further polarize the country:
“It’s not about any one president. It’s about how our nation came to be, because of a hardy band of brave men and women. It’s not about any one person, it’s about ‘We, the people.’ And if the president moves to make this about him, I think he will find the American public disappointed and angered by it.”
As usual, Trump doesn’t care how much he disappoints or angers others as long as he’s the center of attention and can engage in his own self-aggrandizement.
Featured Image Via NBC News
