Senate

Dems mock Trump’s pitch for Fourth of July celebration

Democratic lawmakers on Sunday poked fun at President Trump’s proposal to hold a Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall this year, given that such an event already takes place each year.

The president on Sunday morning urged Americans to “hold the date” on Independence Day — which is already a federal holiday — for “one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C.”

“It will be called ‘A Salute To America’ and will be held at the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump tweeted. “Major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!”

{mosads}Twitter users quickly noted that Washington, D.C., already offers a Fourth of July slate of events just like the ones Trump mentioned, including a free concert and fireworks on the National Mall, and a parade down Constitution Avenue.

“So, who’s gonna tell him?” Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) tweeted.

Others offered more sarcastic responses. 

“If this goes well, I think we should follow it with a big party in Times Square the night before New Year’s Day,” tweeted Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who is said to be mulling a 2020 presidential bid.

“This is actually an excellent idea and I think the whole country should get behind a celebration on July 4,” Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) tweeted.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) used Trump’s tweet to pivot to a legislative matter, telling his followers to “hold the date” for when the House votes on a resolution to block the president’s national emergency declaration to secure funding for a wall along the southern border.

Trump first floated the idea for a Fourth of July celebration earlier this month when he brought it up during a Cabinet meeting. It’s unclear how Trump’s proposed idea would coexist with the existing D.C. Fourth of July celebrations.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment from The Hill about Trump’s tweet.

The president’s pitch for an Independence Day celebration mirrors his request last year for a military parade.

The concept was divisive, with some lawmakers and officials welcoming it as a show of appreciation for the armed forces, and critics likening it to events held by authoritarian regimes.

Trump ultimately canceled the parade in August, blaming local officials for the high cost of the event. Reports emerged that the parade would have come with a $92 million price tag, though the Pentagon said planning had not reached its final stages and it could not confirm the final cost.

Tags Bobby Rush Brian Schatz Donald Trump Eric Swalwell G.K. Butterfield

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