The president is in South Dakota before leading July Fourth events in Washington, where military flyovers, fireworks and a large rally are planned.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump begins America’s 250th birthday weekend Friday with a visit to Mount Rushmore, where he delivers remarks beneath the carved granite images of four former presidents.
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The South Dakota appearance comes one day before Independence Day, as the administration prepares a series of July Fourth events in Washington, including military flyovers, fireworks and a campaign-style rally on the National Mall.
Mount Rushmore features the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Some Republican supporters of Trump have introduced legislation that would add his image to the monument.
The president’s visit to the landmark is part of a broader slate of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Trump is expected to use the holiday weekend to emphasize themes of national strength, American history and his administration’s agenda ahead of the November midterm elections.
“Trump likes the spotlight, and I think he’s trying to take the spotlight,” Peter Loge, director of George Washington University’s School of Media, told AFP.
The anniversary celebrations come during a politically divided period. Trump’s approval ratings have been strained by the war in Iran and concerns about the cost of living. Democrats have criticized his immigration policies, his family’s wealth and his efforts to expand presidential authority.
The administration’s handling of the 250th anniversary has also drawn scrutiny. A Trump-linked group called Freedom 250 has taken a major role in organizing events that had previously been associated with the bipartisan America250 effort.
Some celebrations have faced low attendance and criticism, including a “Great American State Fair” in Washington that reportedly drew sparse crowds. In June, Trump hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn that drew attention after a fighter repeated a false claim about former first lady Michelle Obama.
The holiday weekend is also expected to coincide with dangerous heat in Washington and other parts of the country. Several World Cup knockout matches are also being played during the anniversary weekend.
Trump joked Wednesday about the forecast and his planned July Fourth remarks.
“On July 4 it’s going to be approximately 107 degrees (41C) out, and I’m going to go and I’m going to make a really long speech — just to show that I can do anything,” Trump said.
Across the country, Americans are preparing to mark the nation’s founding while also reflecting divisions over the country’s direction.
“The Fourth of July really is a moment of freedom, but I have to be honest, in these political times, it hasn’t been as exciting to me over the last few years,” Amy Kimaara, a 49-year-old special education teacher wearing a Team USA jersey and a star-spangled banner knot to tie her ponytail, told AFP in Los Angeles.
A Quinnipiac University Poll released Thursday found that 61% of Americans said the United States is not living up to the ideals in the Declaration of Independence. The poll also showed a partisan split, with most Republicans saying the country is living up to those ideals and most Democrats saying it is not.
The anniversary arrives as the nation reflects on 250 years of history, including independence, slavery, civil war, world wars, civil rights struggles and ongoing debates over the meaning of the American Dream.
Trump has increasingly used anniversary events to highlight Republican priorities and energize supporters before the midterm elections. Republicans are seeking to maintain control of Congress, while Democrats are working to turn public dissatisfaction with Trump into gains at the ballot box.
Despite the political divisions, some Americans said the holiday remains a national celebration.
“I think it’s been politicized, but that doesn’t change that the Fourth of July is a great holiday for all of us,” said Matt Jarvis, 55, an entrepreneur from Los Angeles.
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