Washington Post: Trump's July 4th is something from a 'banana republic,' not a democracy

The largest newspaper in the Washington, D.C., region blasted Trump’s self-centered hijacking of the district’s July 4 celebration in a scathing Tuesday editorial.

“The order of the day as ordained by Mr. Trump will not be patriotism but instead personality and politics,” the Washington Post editorial board wrote.

The editorial board sides with residents of the area, who have been writing letters about memories they have of being part the nation’s premier Independence Day celebration on the National Mall. But this year, Trump is ruining the politics-free environment by demanding to be in the spotlight.

Trump will deliver an early evening address to the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, therefore “eliminating what many consider the hands-down best spot in Washington for fellowship and fireworks on the Fourth of July,” according to the Post.

But more than just barging into the spotlight and stealing the best seat at the party, Trump is making sure Republican donors get the next-best seats. The federal government is reserving prime seats between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument for VIPs and special guests.

According to the Huffington Post, tickets for those seats are being offered to Republican donors by the Republican National Committee and White House political appointees.

“Nothing about reserved seating says ‘We the people,'” notes the Post.

Beyond the self-centeredness and overtly political nature of the event, the Post took issue with Trump’s insistence on the presence of military vehicles like tanks and fighter jets.

The “gaudy display of military hardware … is more in keeping with a banana republic than the world’s oldest democracy.”

Trump originally wanted tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue for a parade fit for a tin-pot dictator. Instead, he has to settle for stationary armored vehicles, which do include a couple of tanks.

In a celebration of American overthrowing tyrannical leaders who refused to listen to the voices of those living in America, Trump is refusing to listen to the people living in America and celebrating July 4 in the fashion of a tyrannical dictator.

Instead of ruining July 4 for the city and America, the administration “should claim the day for values embraced by the founders: freedom, tolerance and respect for all,” writes the Post.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.