President Donald Trump is facing accusations of "hijacking" the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations, with critics arguing he is leveraging events around July 4 to advance his political agenda. The anniversary commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The White House released an image of a limited edition "Patriot Passport" featuring Trump leaning over the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, surrounded by text from the Declaration of Independence. The President is also scheduled to deliver a speech at Mount Rushmore on July 3.
Events on July 4 are planned to include military flypasts and a fireworks display over the White House on Washington's National Mall. However, Californian Democratic congressman Jared Huffman stated, "He is trying to hijack the country's 250th anniversary."
Some musicians have withdrawn from a planned concert, citing they were "misled" about the political nature of the event. A source close to Trump dismissed the criticism as "sour grapes," asserting that "Donald Trump will definitely be front and centre because he's the President."