
As most of you are aware the President is set to deliver a speech at 6:30 p.m. eastern time from D.C., in celebration of Our Independence as a country.
The cost of the event is unknown at this time, save an estimated $2.5 million diverted from the National Park fund, as the Washington Post reported.
On Wednesday President Trump tweeted that the “cost” would be very little “compared to what it is worth.”
The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth. We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019
CNN reported that according to a Defense Official they spoke with, the “right next door,” turns out to be California, Kentucky, Florida, Missouri, and Virginia.
The aircraft will be coming from California (the Navy F-35Cs from Naval Air Station Lemoore), Kentucky (the Apache helicopters from Fort Campbell), Florida (the Blue Angels F/A-18s from Naval Air Station Pensacola), Missouri (the B-2 bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base).
CNN.
Other aircraft (the F-22s, VC-25, Ospreys, and two of the F/A-18s) will come from nearby Virginia and Maryland, according to the Defense official.
On Thursday President Trump tweeted that it appears many people are already waiting at the Lincoln Memorial.
Looks like a lot of people already heading to SALUTE TO AMERICA at Lincoln Memorial. It will be well worth the trip and wait. See you there at 6:00 P.M. Amazing music and bands. Thank you ARMY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019
Politico is reporting that the “White House and Republican National Committee have spent the past week scrambling to distribute VIP tickets to President Donald Trump’s Fourth of July speech at the Lincoln Memorial.”
CNN who first reported the existence of the VIP tickets, explained that according to “a source involved in the event said 500 VIP tickets and 15,000 general admission tickets would be available for the “Salute to America” event.”
A Spokesman for the RNC said on Tuesday “It’s standard practice for the RNC to receive a small number of tickets to events just as the DNC did under Democrat Presidents. This is routine for events like the White House Christmas Open Houses, Garden Tours in spring and fall, etc.”
As CNN notes, those events mentioned were held at the White House, Thursday’s event will be held at the National Mall.
The DNC was not offered any tickets for the VIP section.
Politico was told by Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor, that, “They started this too late and everyone has plans already,” regarding the VIP tickets, he added, “Everyone will be there in spirit, but in reality, people planned their July 4th activities weeks ago.”
On White House aide told them that “They are creating this thing from scratch, and I do not know if anyone knows how it will go off.”
Holding an informal survey “several Republicans close to the White House,” called Politico from beaches, “at least one plane ride away from Washington,” and did not plan on attending the “Salute to America,” event.
It appears most of the folks down on the National Mall won’t be able to get very close to the tanks and military vehicles down by the Lincoln Memorial. That area is behind a lot of fencing and security (accessible to VIP’s and other ticketed guests). pic.twitter.com/2iWoyxqnip
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 4, 2019
Regarding the speech he is to deliver Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley told Fox Business News, via the Hill, that “The president is not going to get political. He’s going to celebrate the greatest country, the greatest idea in the history of the world, and that is the United States of America.”
3:25p: Heavy rain hovering between Arlington and The Mall. Sitting in place for now and no lightning yet, but either could change. Will keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/FFUeSvzEJB
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) July 4, 2019
Washington DC right now and flash flood warnings will continue throughout Trump’s campaign rally 😂
— LiA (@LibsInAmerica) July 4, 2019
pic.twitter.com/VLRrVceLRZ
Crowds at Trump's July 4th celebration risk storms, flash floods https://t.co/Js8NpZJ4pN
— Bloomberg (@business) July 4, 2019
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway told the press the public is welcome to the event to celebrate our Country, including “all the Amendments to the Constitution.”
Kellyanne Conway on #FourthofJuly celebrations: "The public is welcome to come and celebrate our great country, the greatest democracy, the Constitution, all the Amendments… I'm not going to allow you to politicize it." pic.twitter.com/wUnqtAnq30
— The Hill (@thehill) July 2, 2019
The infamous Baby Trump balloon made an appearance today near where President Trump’s celebration will take place tonight https://t.co/hvUtnlntc1 pic.twitter.com/js7tC4HX94
— CNN (@CNN) July 4, 2019
Breaking news: A 16-foot tall Trump sitting on a golden toilet will accompany 'Baby Trump' balloon https://t.co/JD68TInXrl pic.twitter.com/6ZdgDm8tdM
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 3, 2019