This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 244th birthday, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast a shadow over the festivities. The White House has announced plans for a large gathering on the National Mall, with President Trump set to attend.
According to White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, the president has recommended following guidelines set by local authorities on wearing masks, but not on social distancing overall. McEnany emphasized that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines are 'recommended,' but not required.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the National Park Service is taking extra safety precautions on the National Mall, installing over 100 hand-washing stations and distributing 300,000 cloth facial coverings. A spokesman for the park service stated, 'We are committed to providing the American people with a safe and spectacular celebration of our nation's birthday in Washington D.C., which will honor our military with music, flyovers and fireworks.'
However, the president's political opponents have criticized the celebrations, accusing Trump of seeking to 'aggrandize himself and divide our nation at yet another rally.' Andrew Bates, a spokesman for Joe Biden, stated, 'Joe Biden believes the presidency is about serving the American people — whereas Donald Trump only exploits it to serve himself.'
On Friday, President Trump spent the day at his golf course in Sterling, Va., before departing for South Dakota. White House officials stated that they had no safety concerns about the trip, despite the ongoing pandemic.
