Trump to hold political rally on July 4 to mark US 250th / Photo: Kent NISHIMURA - AFP
Trump to hold political rally on July 4 to mark US 250th
US President Donald Trump announced plans Monday for a major "rally" in Washington on the July 4 Independence Day, further imposing his political brand on celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.
The announcement comes a day after the Republican billionaire staged a mixed martial arts fight on the White House lawn -- on what just happened to be his 80th birthday -- with military honor guards and Air Force flyovers.
Trump had previously posted that another event on June 24 would be the "Greatest Rally, EVER!... A Rally to end all Rallies!" and include performances by military bands and some of his favorite singers.
That event was put together after several musical artists pulled out of a 250th anniversary concert series in the US capital, with some citing the politicized nature of the event.
But on Monday, Trump said the new July 4 event would be "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all."
The "TRIBUTE TO AMERICA" event would be held at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial -- whose reflecting pool has recently been renovated under a multi-million dollar project ordered by the president.
"Starting at 7 P.M. EST, this HUGE Celebration will honor our Country's People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"There will be incredible Flyovers and Airshows featuring our Top Military Pilots and Equipment, and I will deliver keynote remarks that you will not want to miss," he said.
The event will be capped by what Trump promised would be "the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY."
Washington's iconic Mall hosts an annual large-scale fireworks display for July 4 but the event has traditionally been politics-free.
- Dueling groups -
In a separate post, Trump said the June 24 event was still proceeding, but instead hyped it as the "'kick off' of our summer long Celebration." He made no mention of a speech and did not refer to it as a rally.
He said military bands would be performing "ONLY THE HITS THAT YOU KNOW AND LOVE!" while tenor Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood -- the singer of "God Bless the USA," a staple of Trump's political rallies -- would also be singing.
"You will also bear witness to impressive Military flyovers featuring precision Fighter Jets and Stealth Bombers, which will be flown by our U.S. Military Pilots, who have proven to be the most Elite Pilots anywhere in the World," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The events are being organized by "Freedom 250," a public-private organization set up by the White House and led by Trump allies -- sidestepping the bipartisan "America250" body established by Congress.
While Freedom 250 is hosting a weeks-long "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, America250 is planning several events outside of the US capital as part of its "America's Block Party" celebrations.
The bipartisan group on Monday announced its own concert event for July 4 at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
That event will feature notably higher star power, with country star Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins performing, and Queen Latifah hosting.
Ticket sales from the event will benefit hunger relief group Feeding America.
F.Abate--LDdC
