Like Richard Nixon Trump is Going to Hijack the DC 4th of July Celebration

The Trump administration announced detailed plans today for their 4th of July extravaganza starring Donald Trump. It will be called 'A Salute To America' and it will be held on the National Mall. The administration says it will be non-partisan, but almost everyone in Washington envisages a Trump rally with fireworks, flyovers and MAGA caps, paid for by the taxpayers.

CNN: "The Department of Interior confirmed that Trump will give his "Salute to America" address on the National Mall this Fourth of July, an unusual move by the President. Trump and other presidents have previously held events at the White House to celebrate the nation's birthday, but typically have not been present at the traditional large celebrations on the Mall."

The President's decision threatens to further erode any sense of bi-partisanship in the capital.

Washington Post: "Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, said in an interview that she is concerned that Trump could polarize what is typically a unifying event for Americans."

“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,” McCollum said. “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.”

The last President who tried to hijack the nation's 4th of July celebration was Richard Nixon in 1970 and it didn't end well.... for him or the event.

Yahoo News: "Vietnam War protesters flooded the event. Some staged a marijuana "smoke-in" on the National Mall, while others waded into the reflecting pool opposite the Lincoln Memorial."

"Police used tear gas on some of the protesters, but the wind carried the gas into the crowd attending the ceremony."

"After Trump's tweet in February [announcing his event], critic William Kristol responded: "The last president to try to hijack July 4th was Richard Nixon, who staged Honor America Day on July 4, 1970. It was widely ridiculed. Nixon later left office in disgrace."

By: Don & Curated Content

#Trump # news