Fourth of July: Donald Trump's 'Salute to America' or a 'show of farce'?
Critics say the president has politicised a usually nonpartisan holiday and complain about the cost of the parade.
Friday 5 July 2019 10:09, UK
Americans aren't known for low-key Fourth of July celebrations.
But rarely have they reached these heights of military extravaganza. But then rarely has there been a president with such a penchant for flamboyant spectacle.
This was no campaign speech as many had feared - under Lincoln's marble gaze a well behaved Donald Trump stuck to the script, which was essentially a military history lesson.
President Trump has made clear his admiration of military muscle-flexing abroad. His head was turned by France's Bastille Day - two years later this is his version - dubbed 'Salute to America', it delighted his supporters.
Crowds came from New York, California, Wisconsin - all over - for what the people I spoke to largely saw as a fun event. "He's the president - why not speak to everyone on July 4th," said one guy.
Another military family who have lost loved ones in action said they were grateful for this honouring of US troops.
But in an overwhelmingly Democratic city most natives chose to give Mr Trump's bash a wide berth. Washington DC residents expressed alarm over seeing tanks brought to the nation's capital.
One woman told me she felt frightened by the atmosphere the president has created on what is usually a holiday of celebration.
His critics see it as more of a show of farce - an ego trip with authoritarian leanings.
The White House handed out tickets to approved VIPs and Republican Party donors - fuelling the anger of people who see it as the politicisation of a usually nonpartisan holiday.
The much-talked-about tanks - brought in by train - were parked at the foot of the Lincoln memorial. They stayed put to avoid damaging DC's streets.
It all ended with fireworks - donated by a local company - the rest of the bill goes to the taxpayer. Democrats have been sent into outrage mode over all of this - they insist this was less about America and far more about Donald Trump.