Trump Plans To Turn D.C.’s Signature 250th Event Into His Own Rally

Donald Trump confirmed expectations that he will try to turn America’s 250th anniversary celebrations into a rally centering on him and his presidency.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump announced that he would hold “the most spectacular Trump rally of them all,” including what he billed as “the largest fireworks show in history.”

Trump’s plans are a contrast to those of President Gerald R. Ford on the Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. That day, Ford visited Valley Forge, PA and then spoke in Philadelphia, followed by a viewing of the tall ships in New York. He directed his speechwriters that there be “no campaign code words or partisan insinuations whatsoever,” even as Ford was running for reelection.

Trump’s announcement follows concerns among artists that the 250th celebrations would become a partisan event. After a line up was announced for a National Mall concert series, to be part of a Great American State Fair, most of the performers, including Morris Day and Young MC, backed out. That is because the event was organized by Freedom 250, the public-private group the White House set up to organize 250th events, supplanting America 250, the bipartisan organization set up by Congress a decade ago.

Trump instead will hold what he called a “kick off” rally on June 24 for 250th events.

Trump’s complete Truth Social post below:

“On July 4th, at The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, in beautiful and safe Washington D.C., we are going to host the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA.” Starting at 7 P.M. EST, this HUGE Celebration will honor our Country’s People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs. With the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding the beautifully new Reflecting Pool, more than 300 Members of our strong and talented Military Bands, Orchestras, and Ceremonial Units, will perform Patriotic Melodies and American Classics, and my Playlist (We will have none of those people that put you to sleep and constantly complain!), as we celebrate our Country, and Rally into the next 250 years. This ensemble will be the largest formation of Joint Military Music and Ceremonial performances in History. There will be incredible Flyovers and Airshows featuring our Top Military Pilots and Equipment, and I will deliver keynote remarks that you will not want to miss. To conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY, right here in our Nation’s Capital. Do not miss it. See you on JULY 4th in Washington, D.C. President DONALD J. TRUMP”