This announcement should reinforce criticism regarding the politicization of the event while Independence Day, punctuated by giant fireworks, is traditionally apolitical.
Donald Trump announced Monday that he would hold a huge political meeting in Washington on July 4 for Independence Day, further leaving his mark on the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. “We are going to have the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of all, a TRIBUTE TO AMERICAâ€affirmed the American president on his Truth Social network, assuring that he would “deliver a speech you won’t want to miss.” A speech through which the Republican billionaire proclaimed he wanted to make “tribute to the people, to the spirit, to the strength, to the resolution and to the triumphs of our country”.
This announcement should reinforce criticism concerning the politicization of the event while the July 4 celebration, punctuated by giant fireworks in the heart of the American capital, is traditionally apolitical. It comes the day after MMA fights which were held in the gardens of the White House to celebrate the 80th birthday of the American president.
Skip the ad
Donald Trump had previously announced that he would organize a political rally on June 24, instead of a concert planned to mark the 250th anniversary but shunned by several artists due to the too political turn that the shows took. “My concerts have never been political. (…) Unfortunately, what had been presented to us as a celebration of our country evolved into something much more divisive than what I had agreed to participate in.”for example, justified the rocker Bret Michaels.
Two organizing committees
On July 4, in addition to his speech, the American president detailed on Truth Social that “More than 300 members of our powerful and talented military bands, orchestras and ceremonial units will perform patriotic melodies, American classics, as well as my playlist.” The event will be crowned by what Trump promised to be “the GREATEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY”.
These shows are programmed by the “Freedom 250” committee, a public/private partnership set up by the White House and led by allies of Donald Trump. At the same time, the “America 250” committee, where the two political camps in Congress are represented, also revealed part of its programming. This will take place in several cities in the United States, such as Charleston in South Carolina or Milwaukee in Wisconsin, unlike “Freedom 250” which focuses almost exclusively on the American capital.
“America 250” notably announced its own July 4 concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Monday, featuring Queen Latifah, Chris Stapleton and the Smashing Pumpkins. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the NGO specializing in humanitarian aid Feeding America.
