Why July 4 Turned Into a Trump Rally
The president has never accepted that the head of state and the leader of the Republican Party are separate roles.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump announced he would personally provide entertainment for a 250th-anniversary celebration of American independence after scheduled musicians dropped out.
- He announced a 'Rally to end all Rallies' for June 24th and another, 'TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,' for July 4th.
- The article argues this is an outgrowth of Trump's megalomania, blurring the lines between party leader and head of state.
- Traditionally, presidents have distinguished between these roles, acting as head of state for national events and party leader for political activities.
- Trump has systematically violated norms and laws, such as the Hatch Act, by using the presidency for political activities and personal glorification.
- Examples include instructing soldiers to vote for his party, draping government buildings with his likeness, and renaming institutions after himself.
- A nonpartisan organization, America250, was superseded by a partisan analogue, Freedom 250, to ensure an event highlighting MAGA values.
- The devaluation of the presidency means fewer entertainers are willing to perform at events designed explicitly to glorify Trump.
- The article contrasts Trump's actions with those of his predecessors, who understood that performing nonpartisan roles conferred dignity and political benefits.
- It suggests that Trump's inability to think long-term and his focus on immediate gratification prevent him from understanding the long-term benefits of husbanding the political capital of the presidency.