Trump closes down D.C. airspace for ‘biggest ever fireworks’ at his ‘Salute To America’

Donald Trump is closing down Washington D.C.’s airspace for his ‘biggest fireworks ever’ and Air Force One flyby as part of his ‘Salute to America’ July Fourth celebration.

The president also claimed Tuesday the Pentagon is ‘thrilled’ with his plan to include tanks in his Fourth of July celebration amid reports military leaders were reluctant to have them as a part of the festivities. 

‘Big 4th of July in D.C. ‘Salute to America.’ The Pentagon & our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks!,’ the president wrote on Twitter.

His defense of his parade of America’s military might comes amid reports the Pentagon was reluctant to showcase military vehicles and weapons in the nation’s capital the way leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China put on such displays. 

President Trump claimed the Pentagon is ‘thrilled’ with his plan to include tanks in his Fourth of July celebration amid reports of reluctant

The tanks get a good wash on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's 'Salute to America'

The tanks get a good wash on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s ‘Salute to America’

A worker scrubs one of the M1A1 tanks as it sits on a rail car in Washington D.C.

A worker scrubs one of the M1A1 tanks as it sits on a rail car in Washington D.C. 

The tanks and other military vehicles were spotted arriving in Washington D.C. ahead of Thursday's 'Salute to the Fourth'

The tanks and other military vehicles were spotted arriving in Washington D.C. ahead of Thursday’s ‘Salute to the Fourth’

A fire extinguisher sits near a row of loaded firework launchers at West Potomac Park

A fire extinguisher sits near a row of loaded firework launchers at West Potomac Park

Two M1A1 Abrams tanks and other military vehicles sit on guarded rail cars at a rail yard in Southwest Washington D.C.

Two M1A1 Abrams tanks and other military vehicles sit on guarded rail cars at a rail yard in Southwest Washington D.C. 

A worker carries a security camera to be installed at the Lincoln Memorial ahead of Trump's speech on Thursday

A worker carries a security camera to be installed at the Lincoln Memorial ahead of Trump’s speech on Thursday

City workers hangs US and District of Colombia flags on light poles along Constitution Avenue

City workers hangs US and District of Colombia flags on light poles along Constitution Avenue

Military leaders argue the U.S. does not need to demonstrate its military strength. 

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling told Time magazine such a demonstration goes against American tradition.

‘A lot of countries have histories of longtime military conquest and the power and strength of the military supporting the government, but since our inception that has not been who we are,’ he said. ‘We’re the only nation in the world that defends a piece of paper. An ideology. And to say we’re going to strut our stuff with tanks and rocket launchers and things like that, is just not a good representation of what the military does in a democratic nation.’ 

Fourth of July Events 

National Independence Day Parade

11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m., Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW

Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday! 

Salute to America

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Memorial

President Donald J. Trump honors America’s armed forces with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and much more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band (‘Pershing’s Own’), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.

Capitol Concert – A Capitol Fourth

8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

This all-star salute to America’s 243rd birthday with performances by Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King, multi-platinum recording artist Vanessa Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, the National Symphony Orchestra, and a special appearance by the Sesame Street Muppets! 

Fireworks Display

9:07 p.m., National Mall & Neighboring Parks

Independence Day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial which will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds.

– courtesy the National Park Service 

Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it will suspend operations at Reagan National Airport from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for the July 4 flyovers, and again from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. for the fireworks.  

In past years, operations weren’t suspended because there weren’t flyovers and the fireworks were in another location, CNN reported. 

But the launch area for the fireworks, which is usually near the Lincoln Memorial, had to be moved so Trump could give his speech in front of the monument. 

The costs of the president’s ‘Salute to America’ to tax payers is unclear and critics charge him with throwing a campaign-style rally – aided by Trump’s planned speech before the Lincoln Memorial – on America’s birthday.  

White House officials deny that is the case – even though the Republican Party is handing out tickets to a special VIP section to hear the president’s remarks.

‘That’s absolutely ridiculous,’ Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley said Tuesday morning on Fox Business Network. ‘This is all about a salute to America. The president is not going to get political. He’s going to celebrate the greatest country, the greatest idea in the history of the world, and that is the United States of America.’

The Republican National Committee will offer major donors tickets to the VIP section to hear the president’s address, the Huffington Post reported.

‘He’s going to have tanks out there. It’s going to be cool,’ one fundraiser told the publication. 

Meanwhile, no television network has said they will broadcast Trump’s celebration although it’s likely the cable news networks were air at least part of his remarks. PBS broadcasts ‘A Capitol Fourth’ – a concert held on the front law of the U.S. Capitol building. 

But Gidley also promised several surprises in store for the day.

‘We’re going to have a lot of surprises. The president didn’t get into all of them. In fact, private donations are coming in. The fireworks display is going to be five times that of normal years. So this is going to be the biggest and best celebration of the biggest and best country in history and we’re excited to be a part of it,’ he said. 

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said it is a public event.

‘This is a public event it’s open to the public. The public is welcome to come and celebrate our great country the greatest democracy,’ she told reporters at the White House Tuesday morning.

Threatening to rain on the president’s parade is literally the rain. 

Thunderstorms are forecasted for the afternoon and evening of the Fourth of July, according to The Washington Post, with heavy rains and gusty winds predicted. 

Preparations have begun in the nation’s capital for the event, which is expected to attract supporters and protesters alike. 

Workers were spotted at the Lincoln Memorial setting up crowd barriers, lights and seating.  

And tanks have arrived in Washington D.C.  

Two M1 Abrams tanks and two Bradley Fighting Vehicles on flatcars were photographed at a rail yard at the southeastern edge of Washington where military police stood guard. 

They were accompanied by a M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle and a Humvee support vehicle, in case they break down or become stranded.  

A fire extinguisher sits near a row of loaded firework launchers at West Potomac Park ahead of Thursday's July 4th Salute to America celebration

A fire extinguisher sits near a row of loaded firework launchers at West Potomac Park ahead of Thursday’s July 4th Salute to America celebration

Portable toilets are set up along the National Mall for the Fourth of July festivities

Portable toilets are set up along the National Mall for the Fourth of July festivities

Workers prepare the stage before the Lincoln Memorial

Workers prepare the stage before the Lincoln Memorial

White House staffers Hogan Gidley (left) and Kellyanne Conway (right) defended the president's Fourth of July plans saying they are not political

White House staffers Hogan Gidley (left) and Kellyanne Conway (right) defended the president’s Fourth of July plans saying they are not political

Workers install security barriers at the Lincoln Memorial

Workers install security barriers at the Lincoln Memorial

Ready for the parade: The military have shipped two Bradley fighting vehicles (left), an M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle in case they break down (center) and a support Humvee, and two M1 Abrams tanks from Fort Stewart in Georgia

Ready for the parade: The military have shipped two Bradley fighting vehicles (left), an M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle in case they break down (center) and a support Humvee, and two M1 Abrams tanks from Fort Stewart in Georgia

Ready for problems: The four combat vehicles are backed up by the Hercules recovery vehicle and a Humvee with more support equipment

Ready for problems: The four combat vehicles are backed up by the Hercules recovery vehicle and a Humvee with more support equipment

At least two M1 Abrams tanks and two Bradley Fighting Vehicles on flatcars guarded by military police are seen at a railyard at the southeastern edge of Washington on Monday

At least two M1 Abrams tanks and two Bradley Fighting Vehicles on flatcars guarded by military police are seen at a railyard at the southeastern edge of Washington on Monday

Arrival: The convoy of military vehicles on flatcars was seen in Washington on Monday

Arrival: The convoy of military vehicles on flatcars was seen in Washington on Monday

Guarded: Military police were deployed to guard the tanks and fighting vehicles by night

Guarded: Military police were deployed to guard the tanks and fighting vehicles by night 

President Donald Trump's 'Salute to America' celebration on July 4 is coming together as a stage was erected in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on Monday (pictured)

President Donald Trump’s ‘Salute to America’ celebration on July 4 is coming together as a stage was erected in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on Monday (pictured)

The president has promised to go all out for Independence Day this year by sending tanks down the National Mall and having Air Force One do a flyover before the fireworks begin

The president has promised to go all out for Independence Day this year by sending tanks down the National Mall and having Air Force One do a flyover before the fireworks begin

‘We’re gonna have a great Fourth of July in Washington, DC,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. ‘It’ll be like no other. 

‘It’ll be special and I hope a lot of people come. And it’s going to be about this country and it’s a salute to America.

‘We’re gonna have some tanks stationed outside. You’ve got to be pretty careful with the tanks because the roads have a tendency not to like to carry heavy tanks. So we have to put them in certain areas but we have the brand new Sherman tanks and we have the brand new Abram tanks,’ he said.

The Sherman tanks were last used in World War II and Abrams tanks are the main American battle tanks.

Local officials had previously objected to the more than 60-ton tanks because they could cause damage to the roads – but it appears Trump wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.  

The Abrams tanks were shipped on railroad freight cars from Fort Stewart, Georgia, the nearest Army base that has them. 

The White House declined to release more specific information.

Trump recalled his visit earlier this year to a plant in Lima, Ohio, where M1 Abrams tanks are refurbished. Ohio is a critical state for the president to win in his 2020 re-election bid. 

The plant had been at risk for closure but remained online due to Trump’s investments in defense spending.

‘We have some incredible equipment, military equipment on display – brand new,’ Trump said. ‘And we’re very proud of it. You know we’re making a lot of new tanks right now. We’re building a lot of new tanks in Lima, Ohio – our great tank factory that people wanted to close down until I got elected and I stopped it from being closed down, and now it’s a very productive facility.’

The Capitol Dome and Washington Monument are visible in the background as workers prepare for the Fourth of July celebration

The Capitol Dome and Washington Monument are visible in the background as workers prepare for the Fourth of July celebration

'We're gonna have a great Fourth of July in Washington, DC,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. 'It'll be like no other. It'll be special and I hope a lot of people come'

‘We’re gonna have a great Fourth of July in Washington, DC,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. ‘It’ll be like no other. It’ll be special and I hope a lot of people come’

Trump is seen visiting the Lima Army Tank Plant where where M1 Abrams tanks are refurbished in March with then-acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan

Trump is seen visiting the Lima Army Tank Plant where where M1 Abrams tanks are refurbished in March with then-acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan

 

Trump is essentially producing the holiday show himself, holding extensive briefings and weighing in on all aspects - from where the fireworks are launched to how military are honored

Trump is essentially producing the holiday show himself, holding extensive briefings and weighing in on all aspects – from where the fireworks are launched to how military are honored

Workers build a stage and bleachers for the 'Salute to America' Fourth of July event on Monday

Workers build a stage and bleachers for the ‘Salute to America’ Fourth of July event on Monday

Protesters will be out on the Fourth of July as Code Pink has a permit to bring the Baby Trump blimp (pictured in Orlando in June)

Protesters will be out on the Fourth of July as Code Pink has a permit to bring the Baby Trump blimp (pictured in Orlando in June)

The president has wanted a military-style parade with tanks since he saw the French version on their Bastille Day celebration during his 2017 visit to France.  

Trump is essentially producing the holiday show himself, having extensive briefings on the subject and weighing in on all aspects – from where the fireworks should be launched to how the military will be honored.

The cost to taxpayers has yet to be determined: while two firework companies have donated the $750,000 show, employees of the National Park Service will have to clean up the mall the next day not to mention all the security officials working during the fireworks performance and the president’s address.

The president has added extra touches to this year’s event. 

The fireworks display will be twice as long as those in the past and include new elements – such as a massive American flag and the words ‘U.S.A.’ spelled out in the sky. 

The fireworks display will run from 9.07pm to 9.42pm. 

The president has also moved the fireworks launch site from it’s traditional location alongside the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to a barge in the Potomac.   

There will also be a flyover from Air Force One, the Blue Angels – the US Navy’s flight demonstration squadron – and other military planes. 

Bands will play and the president will give a speech before the Lincoln Memorial.

The White House has set aside a VIP section in front of the monument for dignitaries, family and friends to hear Trump’s address that will be accessible only through tickets distributed by the White House, The Washington Post reported.  

Protests will also take place.

The Baby Trump Blimp will be on the National Mall. 

Code Pink announced it has obtained the necessary permits from the National Park Service to fly the Baby Trump blimp in DC on July 4.

But the balloon will be unable to actually fly over the Mall, as helium balloon are barred from the area at all times. 

Code Pink held a press conference Tuesday to protest the National Park Service’s refusal to let them fly the balloon a few feet off the ground. 

Trump first got the idea for a military-style parade when he attended the Bastille Day festivities in Paris in 2017. 

Originally he wanted a Veterans’ Day parade but that idea was nixed after concerns about its cost and the damage the military vehicles would do to the streets of Washington D.C.  

In addition to the president’s plans, there’s also an annual concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol, broadcast live by PBS. 

Actor John Stamos will host that event which will feature singer Carole King and characters from Sesame Street Street, including Big Bird and Burt and Ernie. 

'Salute to America' is free and open to the public and free of charge, but a ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family

‘Salute to America’ is free and open to the public and free of charge, but a ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump’s family

Workers hang patriotic bunting as they build a stage and bleachers for Thursday's event

Workers hang patriotic bunting as they build a stage and bleachers for Thursday’s event 

The Blue Angels - the US Navy's demonstration squad - will fly over the National Mall

The Blue Angels – the US Navy’s demonstration squad – will fly over the National Mall

Air Force One will also make a fly over

Air Force One will also make a fly over

The event is open to the public and free of charge, but a ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump’s family, friends and members of the military, the White House said.

Last year, Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, hosted service members and their families at a picnic on the White House lawn and the president addressed guests from the balcony. No similar event is being planned this year.

Federal lawmakers, local officials and others have voiced concerns that Trump could alter the tone of what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of America’s independence from the British by delivering a political speech. Trump formally announced his bid for re-election in June.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who oversees the National Mall and has helped orchestrate the president’s vision, and other officials have said Trump’s remarks will be patriotic. 

Trump originally got the idea for tanks when he and the first lady observed a Bastille Day military parade in France in 2017 (pictured)

Trump originally got the idea for tanks when he and the first lady observed a Bastille Day military parade in France in 2017 (pictured)

Fireworks are seen around the Washington Monument during last year's celebration

Fireworks are seen around the Washington Monument during last year’s celebration

 

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