U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday marks America’s 250th anniversary with a political-style rally on a fenced-off National Mall in Washington, capping weeks of celebrations that have drawn criticism for becoming increasingly divisive.
Across the United States, Americans are expected to commemorate the patriotic holiday with parades, concerts and fireworks displays.
Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence from Britain was signed on July 4, 1776, 250 years ago, plans to offer free cupcakes and host a six-hour pop-music concert. New York, meanwhile, will welcome tall ships from around the world.
In Washington, Trump is set to place himself at the centre of the anniversary celebration.
The President has described his evening appearance among the capital’s iconic monuments as “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all,” with military flyovers and an enlarged fireworks display planned as part of the programme.
Washington’s traditional July 4 celebrations often attract hundreds of thousands of people. This year, attendees will also face heightened security, possible thunderstorms and temperatures projected to rise above 100°F, or 38°C.
Unlike previous U.S. presidents, who have generally avoided turning Independence Day celebrations into overt political events, Trump has again blurred the distinction between an official national commemoration and campaign-style politics.
A nonpartisan body created in 2016 to coordinate the 250th anniversary celebrations has largely been overshadowed by the Trump administration’s Freedom 250 group.
Freedom 250 has fenced off much of the 1.5-mile National Mall for what it calls a “Great American State Fair,” featuring attractions including a Ferris wheel, alongside exhibits by conservative organisations and defence contractors.
Several Democratic-led states declined to send delegations, while a number of performers originally billed for the programme withdrew, reportedly citing concerns about the event’s political direction.
The celebration has at times struggled to draw large crowds, although thousands attended Trump’s opening rally on June 24.
Other Freedom 250-branded events include a faith rally dominated by conservative Christian speakers, as well as multiple sports activities. These include a mixed martial arts card planned for the White House grounds to mark Trump’s 80th birthday, and an IndyCar race scheduled for Washington in August.
The Standing Horse Route 66 Powwow in Winslow, Arizona, was organised by Erin Dickson.
Freedom 250 has also sponsored “Freedom Trucks,” which critics say present an overly religious interpretation of American history while downplaying issues including slavery and racial injustice.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a majority of Americans believe the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations have become too political. That view was shared by about three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans surveyed.
Trump has also sought to reshape major parts of Washington ahead of the anniversary celebration, with mixed results.
Several fountains and statues have been renovated. However, challenges have affected the widely publicised $15 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, where security cameras and soldiers now stand guard over peeling paint and algae-filled waters.
