Watch 13:02
With July 4 celebration, did Trump politicize the military?
President Trump’s July 4 “Salute to America” heaped praise on the U.S. Armed Forces but also generated concern about potentially politicizing the military. William Brangham talks to Mike Lyons of West Point’s Modern War Institute and Peter Feaver of the…
Watch 12:22
David Brooks and Karen Tumulty on Trump’s July 4 event, 2020 Democrats
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty join Judy Woodruff to analyze the week’s political news, including President Trump’s Fourth of July celebration, political and cultural implications of the crowded detention centers on the U.S.-Mexico…
In July 4 speech, Trump says U.S. ‘stronger than it ever was before’
He recited a litany of American accomplishments over its history, including the moon landing 50 years ago. And he promised, "Very soon, we will plant the American flag on Mars."…
Watch 7:33
Trump faces criticism for July 4 display of military strength
This Fourth of July, Vice President Mike Pence welcomed newly naturalized U.S. citizens in the nation’s capital. In Iowa, the holiday meant special campaign events for 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. Meanwhile, crowds gathered in Washington for President Trump’s “Salute to…
President Trump has been yearning for a large-scale military display since he took office. With this year’s Fourth of July celebration, which includes tanks, fighter jets and the Blue Angels, he gets his wish -- but not without criticism. The…
President Trump took the stage at his “Salute to America” event this evening. Although there was some apprehension over his speech would be political, his remarks primarily focused on American history and why he thinks the U.S. is as strong…
In modern times, presidents have tended to stand back and let the people party.
The national holiday to mark America's birth as a country will be filled with parades, concerts, naturalization ceremonies and of course, fireworks.
It's been nearly seven decades since a president spoke on the National Mall on Independence Day.
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![On the left, civilian group Las Rastreadoras de El Fuerte search in the desert for mass graves in Los Mochis, Mexico. On the right, artist Luz María Sánchez's sound piece "V.[u]nf_4", which incorporates sounds from the desert searches. It appeared at the University Museum Contemporary Art in Mexico City last year. Photos courtesy by Luz María Sánchez](https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2020/02/sound2-425x234.jpg)
