There's an irony in Trump making this July 4th all about the military | By Ruth Ben-Ghiat for CNNOpinion
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a frequent contributor to CNN Opinion and a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University who writes about authoritarianism and propaganda. Follow her @ruthbenghiat. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Read more opinion articles on CNN.Tanks sat in front of the Lincoln Memorial, F-35 fighter planes streaked the sky, and military officials stood in attendance as he gave his"Salute to America" speech.
" In the days prior, the Pentagon had reservations about the event for just this reason. And some members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff declined to attend, citing prior commitments. Yet those military leaders who did attend, like Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, lent themselves to a partisan spectacle, given the GOP's dominant role in the event and the presence of Trump's political supporters in the VIP plateau.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dismissing criticism, Trump presides over July 4th holiday with military showDismissing criticism, Donald Trump presides over FourthofJuly holiday with military show
Read more »
Trump Delivers Elaborate Fourth of July Event Showcasing MilitaryPresident Trump’s 'Salute to America' featured flyovers by military jets, armored vehicles, tanks and fireworks
Read more »
Trump praises armed forces, avoids politics in military-style Fourth of July display'Today, we come together as one nation with this very special salute to America,' President Trump said. 'We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag — the brave men and women of the United States military.'
Read more »
'The future belongs to us' Trump on July 4 - Reuters TVWith U.S. fighter jets flying overhead, President Donald Trump praised the military and reveled in a show of pomp and patriotism on Thursday in a celebration of Independence Day that critics accused him of turning into a political event.
Read more »