Democrats charge the president is politicizing the celebration of a nonpartisan holiday meant to honor the nation.

The country is just hours away from celebrating 243 years of independence — but this year’s festivities are already setting off a different kind of fireworks.

That’s because of President Donald Trump’s plan to add more bells and whistles to Washington’s usual celebration: music, military demonstrations and — notably — a speech he’ll make from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

NBC News reported Tuesday that military assets were being transported from around the country to Washington for the celebration.

It’s right up the president’s alley, and he’s encouraging attendees to come with flags in hand, predicting last week in Orlando there will “hundreds of thousands” of people on hand.

Trump was inspired by what he called one of the greatest parades he’s ever seen: the march marking Bastille Day in France in 2017. That’s when, as a guest of President Emmanuel Macron, Trump marveled at the display of military might.

“I think we’re going to have to start looking at that ourselves,” Trump said, side-by-side with Macron months later. “We’re actually thinking about 4th of July, Pennsylvania Avenue, having a really great parade to show our military strength.” Read more

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Democrats charge the president is politicizing the celebration of a nonpartisan holiday meant to honor the nation.

The country is just hours away from celebrating 243 years of independence — but this year’s festivities are already setting off a different kind of fireworks.

Democrats charge the president is politicizing the celebration of a nonpartisan holiday meant to honor the nation.

The country is just hours away from celebrating 243 years of independence — but this year’s festivities are already setting off a different kind of fireworks.

Democrats charge the president is politicizing the celebration of a nonpartisan holiday meant to honor the nation.

The country is just hours away from celebrating 243 years of independence — but this year’s festivities are already setting off a different kind of fireworks.