President Donald Trump will be on Washington’s National Mall on Wednesday seeking to deliver a campaign-style rally that gets Americans excited about his presidency and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The event comes after a day of tense meetings between Trump and Republicans in Congress over the Iran war, and a decision by a federal judge that sets back Trump’s agenda to overhaul U.S. elections. Trump’s role as the anniversary event’s headliner emerged after several musicians canceled their appearances, citing concerns the event had become politicized.
Also Wednesday, a federal judge permanently barred the Trump from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote. The judge agreed that the states and Congress have constitutional authority over elections, deeming Trump’s requirements a violation of the separation of powers.
And at a luncheon, Trump met with GOP senators who have grown increasingly frustrated by his diversions from the party’s agenda and his unclear Iran war strategy. Republican senators had hoped to use the housing bill Trump abandoned to show voters they care about affordability ahead of the November midterm elections.
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Before Trump takes the stage, the lawn is almost full
From where Trump will stand on stage, he may be able to see the giant Ferris wheel alit in neon colors in front of the Capitol.
People are standing shoulder to shoulder filling up most of the lawn as the sun starts to set. Most have their phones out to record.
Retired Navy SEAL recounts American ‘will to win’ its freedom
Author and podcaster Jocko Willink walked attendees on the National Mall through the colonies’ underdog fight against the British during the American Revolution.
That victory, he said, “unleashed a force which to this day has been completely unmatched in the world.” He went on to enumerate hard-fought privileges including “the freedom to speak, to protest, to worship, the freedom to protect ourselves, our families and our property.”
Something Willink didn’t mention was the contribution of the French, whose military forces and funds helped make significant strides toward Britain’s defeat.
All about the flyovers
Hattie Harris was visiting her uncle in northern Virginia when her niece who works on Capitol Hill told her of Wednesday’s event.
Harris, a Montessori teacher from Mesa, Arizona, had no idea what the program included — besides one thing.
“I came for the flyovers,” she said. “I will drop everything for flyovers.” The military aircraft buff didn’t even know Trump was expected to speak.
At that moment, she pointed overhead and cried, “Look!” The stealth B-2 bomber cruised overhead, drowning out the U.S. Marine Corps Band.
Asked her thoughts about the evening’s featured speaker — after she learned it was Trump — Harris shrugged.
First responders and victims of 9/11 are remembered at rally
The rally shifted from up-tempo pop performances to a more somber moment as Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers, asked the crowd to remember firefighters and other first responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.
Siller’s nonprofit was founded in honor of his brother, Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter who died on 9/11.
“As I look out at this incredible gathering of families celebrating everything that makes this country so great, we must remember the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary people,” Frank Siller said.
It was one of the first moments of the rally focused on important events in U.S. history.
Trump is frustrated gasoline prices don’t mirror oil’s decline. Experts say it’s not that simple
U.S. gasoline prices decreased an average of 49 cents a gallon in the last month as expectations rose for an end to the war with Iran. But they’re not falling fast enough for Trump.
