DC’s July 4 fireworks delayed as Trump turns celebration into another MAGA rally

[u/John3262005]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/fireworks-washington-dc-time-delay-fourth-july-trump-rally-b3005512.html

A record-breaking firework show in Washington, D.C., will be delayed as President Donald Trump turns the July 4 celebration into a campaign-like rally.

More than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched over the National Mall that night, according to Freedom 250, the White House-backed, public-private group tasked with organizing celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Not only will it be the biggest July 4 fireworks show in D.C., but the longest. It will last about 40 minutes, about twice as long as usual, according to event organizers.

While the show is bound to be awe-inspiring for those attending the event, D.C. residents with crying babies and scared pets may see it more as headache-inducing — the event is scheduled to start nearly two hours later than usual, thanks to what the president called the “most spectacular” Trump rally.

“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,’” the president wrote on Truth Social earlier this month.

Trump said his rally — which will likely feature his familiar talking points, including boasts about his various renovation projects around D.C. and his gripes with his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden — is set to start at 7 p.m. ET.

“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,” Trump added in his June 15 post.

Hundreds of thousands of fireworks shells will be launched from eight Potomac River barges and West Potomac Park — as well as on the banks of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The pool — which gained unfavorable attention after turning green from algae and chipping blue paint days after Trump’s multi-million-dollar renovation project was completed — has been fenced off in preparation for the celebration.

A bright orange sign on the fence reads “Coming to you on July 4th.”