‘He makes it about himself,’ Philly Dem says after Trump announces plans to transform July 4 fireworks in D.C. into rally
Trump announced on Truth Social that the 250th fireworks celebration will now also include a political rally. Democratic lawmakers said this move does not honor the meaning of Independence Day.
The Philadelphia Democrat whose district includes Independence Hall accused President Donald Trump of trying to transform the 250th anniversary into a celebration of himself rather than the country.
Trump announced on Truth Social Monday that a Trump rally will now place in Washington on July 4, absorbing the long-planned 250th anniversary fireworks celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Post reported.
The move has prompted criticism, including from U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, whose district was the site where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed.
“Our nation’s 250th anniversary should be an opportunity to bring us together as Americans,” Boyle wrote in a statement. “Any previous president—from either party—would make this event about our nation. But not Trump. He makes it about himself. Because he only cares about himself.”
Boyle is one of several Democratic lawmakers to criticize Trump’s expanding role in the celebrations.
“We are going to host the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a ‘TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “This HUGE Celebration will honor our Country’s People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs.”
Trump said in the post that the event will include air shows, patriotic music — from Trump’s own playlist — the largest fireworks show in history, and a keynote speech from him.
“To conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY,” Trump wrote.
The rally is just the latest in a string of controversial choices by Trump ahead of the 250th. The president announced the rally a day after he hosted a controversial “Freedom 250″ UFC event at the White House for his 80th birthday.
Sen. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) criticized the decision to hold the UFC event at the White House, noting on X that Trump holds shares in the company and that UFC CEO Dana White donated $1 million to a pro-Trump super PAC.
“This isn’t a celebration of America 250,” Kim posted on Sunday. “This is corruption on full display on the White House lawn.”
The event drew further controversy when fighter Josh Hokit made offensive comments about former first lady Michelle Obama in his post-fight interview.
The Trump Administration says the events are a way to inspire and excite Americans, the Washington Post reported.
“Fight for freedom,” the Department of Homeland Security, headed by former MMA fighter Markwayne Mullin, posted on Facebook. “Fight for our way of life. Fight for America.”
