Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Mark Zdechlik

McCollum among Democrats unhappy with Trump's 'Salute to America'

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum poses for a portrait
Minnesota 4th District Congresswoman Betty McCollum accuses President Trump of politicizing the nation's July 4th celebration.
Tony Saunders | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: 3:14 p.m. | Posted: 2 p.m.

Some Democrats say President Trump is politicizing Independence Day with what he's calling "Salute to America." Trump is organizing a display of military might in Washington and plans to give a speech on Thursday, July 4 at the Lincoln Memorial.

4th District DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum chairs the Appropriations Sub-Committee on the Interior which oversees the National Park Service and Washington's memorials. She says taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for what President Trump is planning. McCollum also says she will hold a hearing on the decision to use National Park fees to pay for the event.

"I don't think it's appropriate for the president to be turning this, the Lincoln Memorial and the 4th of July into a political rally," McCollum told MPR News. "This is all about Mr. Trump, his family, his personal profit and I hate to say this about the president of the United States, but his ego."

A trip to France and observation of that country's Bastille Day military parade in 2017 inspired what Trump is calling "Salute to America."

McCollum said Trump should have asked Congress for money for his celebration. McCollum commented on the parade costs when asked whether she'll hold hearings on the expenditures.

"I'm certainly going to want to know if money was transferred out of park maintenance, deferred maintenance, for the Park Service, what this meant to overtime," McCollum said.

There are also concerns that moving military equipment to the Capitol mall grounds could damage them.