As the United States prepares to mark a pivotal moment in its history – the 250th anniversary of independence this week – observers warn that the occasion has become a stark example of how politics can hijack even the most sacred of national events. The celebrations, intended as a testament to American unity and civic pride, have instead turned into a divisive spectacle, with former President Donald Trump at the centre of the controversy.
The anniversary commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4th July 1776, a landmark act that laid the foundation for the modern American state. Figures such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson took bold action in Philadelphia, defying British rule to shape their nation's future. Traditionally, such anniversaries are met with widespread national cohesion and civic pride.
However, critics argue that the current atmosphere is one of "dread" and "terrible myth-making", according to Eddie Glaude, author of America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries. In Washington D.C., the official centre of the celebrations, events have reportedly taken on a tone more akin to a "gaudy reality TV pageant" than a dignified civic jubilee. Donald Trump, who has expressed enthusiasm for the anniversary falling during a potential second term, has overseen projects to 'beautify' the capital, including cleaning statues and restoring fountains. He has also reportedly expressed intentions to build a triumphal arch.
Adding to the controversy, a £11.7 million (14.7 million USD) renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on the National Mall has faced significant issues. No-bid contracts for the work were reportedly awarded to vendors with previous ties to the former president. Shortly after completion, the pool's water turned bright green due to an algae bloom, and its 'American flag blue' coating began to peel. Trump attributed the problems to "mysterious vandals" and threatened them with imprisonment.
The tone for the celebrations was set over a month ago when, on his 80th birthday, Trump hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship cage matches on the White House South Lawn. This was followed by the 'Great American State Fair' on the National Mall, an event described by many as a thinly veiled Trump rally. During this event, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reportedly railed against "libtards that cancelled on us" and praised Trump as "the greatest president that’s ever existed in this country since George Washington." The event reportedly featured no Democrats, culminating in Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan and a dance to the Village People's 'YMCA' performed by the US Marine Band. The state fair, intended to represent all 56 states and territories, was reportedly sparsely attended and plagued by issues like power cuts on its opening day.
The main 'Salute to America' celebration on 4th July itself is also expected to be heavily politicised, with Trump's presence likely dominating the event. Given the UK's close ties with the US, British readers would do well to pay attention – for in the current atmosphere of American politics, even the most sacred national events are not immune from partisan manipulation.