This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On a sweltering and rainy Independence Day, thousands of President Trump's supporters gathered at the National Mall, eager to show their patriotism and loyalty to the president. The event, which took place on July 4, 2019, was a departure from the usual Trump rallies, where he often targets his political opponents and critics.
As the crowd filled the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, many seemed puzzled by the president's speech, which made no mention of congressional Democrats, Robert S. Mueller III, or his presidential rivals. The White House had promised that Trump would avoid giving an overtly political speech, and he largely delivered on that promise.
Instead, Trump took a nostalgic trip through America's military history, recounting the early beginnings of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The president, who was deferred from military service during the Vietnam War due to bone spurs in his heels, spoke with reverence about the sacrifices made by America's military personnel.
Many military families in attendance wore Trump's MAGA hats and openly campaigned for his re-election, chanting 'four more years.' The event was a stark contrast to the usual understanding that members of the armed forces should not engage in partisan political activity.
