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Trump vows to safeguard the US from 'radical left, looters and people with no clue' during Fourth of July speech

REUTERS
REUTERS

Donald Trump has vowed to “safeguard” America’s values from enemies, including the "radical left", "looters" and people with "no clue", during a Fourth of July speech.

The US President spoke at an event which featured fireworks and paratroopers jumping from a plane with an American flag to celebrate Independence Day.

While addressing the audience, made up of front-line medical workers and others central in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Trump spoke of those who "slander" him and disrespect the country’s past.

It comes as officials across the country pleaded with Americans to curb their enthusiasm for large Fourth of July crowds during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and the people who, in many instances, have absolutely no clue what they are doing,” he said.

“We will never allow an angry mob to tear down our statues, erase our history, indoctrinate our children.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch the Washington DC fireworks on July 4 (REUTERS)
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch the Washington DC fireworks on July 4 (REUTERS)

“And we will defend, protect and preserve (the) American way of life, which began in 1492 when Columbus discovered America.”

Despite warnings about coronavirus infections rising in the US, Mr Trump enticed the masses with a “special evening” of tributes and celebration in Washington DC.

However, the crowds wandering the National Mall for the night’s air show and fireworks were strikingly thinner those the gathering for last year’s jammed celebration.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch as V-22 Osprey aircraft perform a flyover (AP)
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch as V-22 Osprey aircraft perform a flyover (AP)

Many who showed up wore masks, unlike those seated close together for Mr Trump’s South Lawn event, and distancing was easy to do for those scattered across the sprawling space.

The president did not hesitate to use the country’s birthday as an occasion to assail segments of the country that do not support him.

People gather on the South Lawn of the White House during a 'Salute to America' event with President Donald Trump (AP)
People gather on the South Lawn of the White House during a 'Salute to America' event with President Donald Trump (AP)

Carrying on a theme he pounded on a day earlier against the backdrop of the Mount Rushmore monuments, he went after those who have torn down statues or think some of them, particularly those of Confederate figures, should be removed.

“Our past is not a burden to be cast away,” Mr Trump said.

Trump supporters meet during Independence Day celebrations in Washington (REUTERS)
Trump supporters meet during Independence Day celebrations in Washington (REUTERS)

In many parts of the country, authorities discouraged mass gatherings for the holiday after days that have seen Covid-19 cases grow at a rate not experienced even during the deadliest phase of the pandemic in the spring.

In New York, once the epicentre, people were urged to avoid crowds and Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest happened at an undisclosed location without spectators on hand, in advance of the evening’s televised fireworks spectacular over the Empire State Building.

Red and blue smoke is fired at the Ellipse of the White House during the 'Salute to America' (REUTERS)
Red and blue smoke is fired at the Ellipse of the White House during the 'Salute to America' (REUTERS)

In Philadelphia, mask and glove-wearing descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence participated in a virtual tapping of the famed Liberty Bell on Independence Mall and people were asked to join from afar by clinking glasses, tapping pots or ringing bells.

Mr Trump’s endorsement of big gatherings at the National Mall and at Mount Rushmore came as many communities decided to scrap fireworks, parades and other holiday traditions in hopes of avoiding yet more surges in infection.

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