Donald Trump has taken over the organizational plans for the nation’s annual July 4th celebrations in Washington, DC, according to the Washington Post.
He has moved the fireworks display from the Mall, where it has been held for more than 50 years, to a spot closer to the Potomac River. He has also inserted himself into the program, promising to address the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, turning the usual non-partisan celebration of the nation’s independence into what will amount to a 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.
The revised Independence Day celebration is the culmination of two years of attempts by Trump to create a major patriotic event centered on him and his supporters, including failed efforts to mount a military parade modeled on the Bastille Day celebration in France.
The president has received regular briefings on the effort in the Oval Office and has gotten involved in the minutiae of the planning, showing interest in the event that he often does not exhibit for other administration priorities, according to aides.
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