The plane used as Air Force One will fly above the National Mall on the Fourth of July as a part of a military flyover during the day’s festivities, which will include a speech from President Donald Trump.
The Department of Interior confirmed that Trump will give his “Salute to America” address on the National Mall this Fourth of July, an unusual move by the President. Trump and other presidents have previously held events at the White House to celebrate the nation’s birthday, but typically have not been present at the traditional large celebrations on the Mall.
The celebration will break from Washington, DC tradition to include the speech, along with a parade, a concert, military celebrations and flyovers. One of the aircraft in the planned flyovers will be the plane normally used as Air Force One, a US official confirmed to CNN. Since Trump will be on the ground watching rather than on the plane, it won’t officially be Air Force One.
The Washington Post first reported the flyover details.
Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said that the annual fireworks display, usually launched from behind the Lincoln Memorial, will be moved about a half mile south to West Potomac Park. He said the World War II Memorial and the area around the Reflecting Pool, which are usually closed off, will be open to the public.
“We are excited to open these new areas so that more visitors may experience this year’s Independence Day celebration in our nation’s capital,” Bernhardt said.
In February, Trump told Americans to “HOLD THE DATE!” for his July Fourth plans,tweeting that there will be a “major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!”
The fireworks display on the Mall has been a time-honored nonpartisan tradition for nearly half a century, and Trump’s new vision for Independence Day has caused a stir among city officials and lawmakers. Some have expressed fear that Trump’s address to the Independence Day audience could quickly turn partisan, The Washington Post reports.
