Donald Trump launches the festivities for the 250th anniversary of the United States on Friday with a speech with an emblematic background, at the foot of Mount Rushmore and its four presidential faces, where many suspect that he would like to see his effigy in turn carved into the rock.
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On the eve of July 4, the American president will speak in the evening under the granite faces of four of his prestigious predecessors to the American presidency, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt in South Dakota.
Quite a symbol for a president who considers himself one of the greatest and who did everything to transform this anniversary of the United States into a celebration of himself.
On July 4, he will hold a political meeting in the style of an election campaign on the immense green esplanade of the National Mall, in the heart of Washington, before what he announces as the largest fireworks display in the world – 850,000 rockets.
Taking center stage is second nature for Donald Trump, billionaire and former reality TV star turned extraordinary political showman.
“Trump likes to be in the spotlight, and I think he’s looking to get into it,” said Peter Loge, director of the media department at George Washington University, to AFP.
“Cridge line”
In Washington, and more broadly on the east coast, this 250th anniversary looms in stifling heat. Around 40°C is forecast for Saturday in the capital.
“It’s going to be about 107°F (41°C) and I’m going to give a really long speech – just to show that I can do anything,” Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
At a supposed moment of national unity, America under Donald Trump is deeply divided.
The Republican’s popularity rating is near its lowest levels, weighed down by the war in Iran and the cost of living. And the opposition is outraged by its vast anti-immigration offensive and its attempts to expand presidential powers.
In a podcast released Friday by Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, the president said: “We have a great country, but a country that is currently on a bit of a ridge. The situation could swing one way or the other.”
“We will choose the right direction and make America greater than ever,” he added.
Its desire to leave its mark on the 250th anniversary festivities is not always followed by the expected effect.
An organization linked to the White House, “Freedom 250”, took control of a number of flagship events to the detriment of the bipartisan “America 250” committee, which led some to shun them.
Its “big fair” organized on the National Mall, for example, stands out above all for its sparse visitors and empty stands. Faced with the extreme heat, it had to close for a few hours Friday afternoon.
“Not as exciting”
“July 4 is a real moment of freedom, but to be honest, in this political climate, for me, it’s not as exciting as it has been in recent years,” recognizes Amy Kimaara, a 49-year-old teacher met by AFP in Los Angeles.
As the country remembers its two and a half centuries of history, triumphs and tragedies, slavery and freedom, civil war and world wars, a Quinnipiac University poll showed Thursday that 61 percent of Americans believe the United States is not living up to the ideals set forth in the 1776 Declaration of Independence.
Donald Trump is increasingly using the 250th anniversary celebrations as a platform to mobilize in favor of the Republican Party – and himself – as the crucial midterm elections, scheduled for early November, approach.
Republicans fear the president’s unpopularity will cost them control of Congress – which could expose Donald Trump to a record third impeachment.
“Independence Day” nevertheless remains a celebration for others. “It’s been politicized, but that doesn’t change the fact that July 4 is a big holiday for all of us,” says Matt Jarvis, 55, an entrepreneur interviewed in Los Angeles.
