Trump’s fireworks on Mount Rushmore have already sparked a backlash for his contempt for social distancing measures. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend. Native American leaders have also criticized the event for making use of sacred land for some Native nations, as well as opening up the potential for more infections.
The demonstration will include an overpass and fireworks, with musical and ceremonial support from the Department of Defense. The celebration will be part of a larger series of Independence Day events, culminating in a “Salute to America” on the National Mall.
Fauci previously warned that the United States “is not in full control” of the coronavirus pandemic, as the country increases in infections relative to other nations. He went on to say that the United States risked 100,000 new infections per day unless new safeguards were implemented. More than 2.68 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with coronavirus, and more than 128,000 have died.
