Trump wants to tear up National Mall by using tanks in his 4th of July salute to himself

Trump is pushing for military tanks and other heavy vehicles that could damage the historic National Mall to be used as part of the Fourth of July “salute” to himself.

The Washington Post reported on Monday that despite previous warnings and concerns about the possible damage from such vehicles, Trump is still fixated on their possible use.

“The type of armored tactical vehicles under consideration for this year’s Fourth of July celebration can weigh 60 tons or more, and some, such as Abrams tanks, have tracks that can be particularly damaging,” the Post noted.

Trump was angered last year when his plans for a military parade were scrapped over similar concerns over damage that could be incurred.

“Trump has been fixated since early in his term with putting on a military-heavy parade or other celebration,” the paper noted.

Three senior administration officials told the paper that Trump has “has demonstrated an unusual level of interest in this year’s Independence Day observance.” The behavior stands in stark contrast to Trump’s usual level of disinterest in important domestic and international issues.

He has been regularly briefed on the planned celebration and “has weighed in on everything from how the pyrotechnics should be launched to how the military should be honored.”

Trump’s interest is no doubt unusually high because the event, which his administration has dubbed a “Salute to America,” is so centered around Trump.

That is a departure from previous presidents of both parties, who did not make major speeches and activities during the holiday celebration. Trump intends to do so, taking attention away from America and putting it on himself.

The larger fireworks show (enhanced by a donation from a fireworks executive seeking trade concessions from Trump) will cost taxpayers for overtime pay needed to pay employees to clean up after the show.

“It’s irresponsible to ask the National Park Service to absorb the costs of an additional and political event when there are so many unmet needs in the parks,” Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Chair Phil Francis told the Post. “Funds should be directed to the agency’s highest needs such as operation of the parks and the maintenance backlog and should not be directed to support political objectives.”

Trump’s self-aggrandizing display has also made the Navy Blue Angels cancel a break between performances they had planned because Trump demanded a flyover of military aircraft during his event.

Trump believes the 4th of July celebration is not about America but about him. He is more than willing to destroy the streets of the capital of the United States to appease his enormous ego.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.