Donald and Melania Trump emerge from south portico for the 4th of July celebration ‘Salute to America’ at the White House.
Happy July 4th from the South Lawn, where it is 88 degrees and sunny.
Live feed of Salute to America can be found here: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1YqxoRPkYXzJv
Pool and pre-credentialed press were led out to the South Lawn at 5:45 pm to patriotic music performed by the US Air Force Band, followed by the President’s Own Marine Band and the US Navy Band Sea Chanters.
Invited guests include health care workers, military, law enforcement, and their families. Guests are seated at circular tables with white table cloths and flowers. Red, white, and blue bunting drapes the balconies on the South Portico of WH.
Military flyovers are due to begin soon. POTUS tweeted earlier that he will speak at 7 pm. Fireworks are supposed to start around 9 pm.
Sighted: WH trade adviser Peter Navarro, campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley.
No covid tests for pool today.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Judd Deere:
The guests will be made up of front line workers and their families, including law enforcement, doctors, nurses, and others, as well as members of the military and their families. There will be members of the administration in attendance.
As President Trump has said, this year’s Independence Day celebration will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending. The American people have shown tremendous courage and spirit, particularly our amazing frontline workers, in the fight against this global pandemic just as our forefathers did in the fight to secure our independence, and both deserve celebration on America’s birthday this year.
At 6:28p, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt made remarks. He called the president’s speech last night “unifying and inspiring.” At 6:41 Potus and FLOTUS emerged onto the lower balcony of the South Portico as the band played Hail to the Chief. They walked down the center of the South Lawn, which was clear of guests, and took the stage.
Someone from the guest area shouted “four more years!” At 6:45, Air Force One flew by overhead. Then US Army US Golden Knights Parachute Team performed three maneuvers – a mass formation, then a side-by-side formation, then a “drop flag.” National Anthem was played during that last maneuver. POTUS began remarks at 6:50 pm. Remarks can be seen on TV. Guests are mostly not wearing masks, though some are.