It's Been 70 Years Since There's Been a July 4 Speech Like Trump's

More details are emerging about President Trump's Fourth of July event in Washington, which the New York Times describes as "the next best thing" to Trump's axed military parade. As hundreds of thousands gather at the National Mall for the celebration, Trump will address the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial; the last president to do anything similar was Harry Truman, who in 1951 spoke in front of the Washington Monument on the 4th. The US Park Police confirms Trump will speak at the memorial. "We continue to work with the White House on creating a Salute to America program that will bring Americans from all over the country together in [a] celebration of our great nation," adds a National Park Service rep.

The Washington Post points out a slew of "new security and logistical challenges," noting a second entertainment stage may be erected in addition to the one on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The fireworks display will be moved from the Washington Monument grounds to West Potomac Park, while the National Independence Day Parade will be held as usual, per WTOP. There's been no comment from the White House, but some Democrats have piped up with the criticism that Trump's speech will change the flavor of the staunchly nonpartisan event. "People are going to be angry," says DC Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton. (More Fourth of July stories.)