Unifying or waste of money? Trump’s Fourth of July event divides US
President's Independence Day extravaganza features military flyovers

Donald Trump praised the “brave men and women” of the US military during his a controversial Independence Day event in Washington DC. The “Salute to America” occasion, which featured military flyovers and fireworks, divided America.
“Together we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told, the story of America,” Trump said. “It is the chronicle of brave citizens who never give up on the dream of a better and brighter future.”
He continued: “As long as we never stop fighting for a better future... there will be nothing that America cannot do.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
CNN said the US President’s speech, delivered from the Lincoln Memorial in front of a “soggy mass of onlookers”, saw him offer a “rare unifying message”.
The Guardian also noted Trump’s “rare plea for unity” but described the overall event as “symbolic, jingoistic and untraditional,” adding: “Whereas he once liked to build suspense as host of the reality TV show The Apprentice, Trump now has the world’s most fearsome arsenal at his disposal – and he showed it off.”
Sky News noted that “a well behaved Trump stuck to the script which was essentially a military history lesson”.
The Pentagon has not disclosed the cost of the event, but some reports say the National Park Service diverted nearly $2.5m (£2m) to cover the cost. Trump had said ahead of the event that the expense “will be very little compared to what it is worth”.
Democrats were not impressed. Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on Twitter: “This is what authoritarians do: Donald Trump is taking $2.5 million away from our National Park Service to glorify himself with a spectacle of military tanks rolling through Washington.”
Joe Biden, the former vice president and another 2020 hopeful, said Trump’s spectacle in Washington “misses the point”.
The Rev William Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, criticised the president on Twitter, writing: “He thinks this is the sign of strength, but it’s a damn narcissistic travesty.”
“Donald Trump is redefining the presidency and the commitment to freedom and liberty,” said Andrea Stanford of the Women 4 Trump group, who wore red, white and blue underwear to the event.
Two people were arrested after an American flag was burned on Pennsylvania Avenue, just in front of the White House. Separately, Code Pink, an anti-war protest group that flew the Trump baby blimp that flew over London during Trump's state visit, said: “We think that he’s a big baby.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar quake deaths rise as survivor search intensifies
speed read The magnitude-7.7 earthquake in central Myanmar has killed a documented 2,000 people so far, and left scores more trapped beneath rubble
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'We should end this betrayal of man's best friend'
Instant Opinion 'Opinion, comment and editorials of the day'
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?
The Explainer Trump is not the only US president who has tried to gain control of Greenland
By The Week UK Published
-
What dangers does the leaked Signal chat expose the US to?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The White House's ballooning group chat scandal offered a masterclass in what not to say when prying eyes might be watching
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sets 25% tariffs on auto imports
Speed Read The White House says the move will increase domestic manufacturing. But the steep import taxes could also harm the US auto industry.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Even authoritarian regimes need a measure of public support — the consent of at least some of the governed'
instant opinion 'Opinion, comment and editorials of the day'
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Waltz takes blame for texts amid calls for Hegseth ouster
Speed Read Democrats are calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and national security adviser Michael Waltz to step down
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
USPS Postmaster General DeJoy steps down
Speed Read Louis DeJoy faced ongoing pressure from the Trump administration as they continue to seek power over the postal system
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge: Nazis treated better than Trump deportees
speed read U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reaffirmed his order barring President Donald Trump from deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published