Listen to article \u2022\u00a00:00 min<\/p>\n
The Philadelphia Democrat whose district includes Independence Hall accused President Donald Trump<\/a> of trying to transform the 250th anniversary into a celebration of himself rather than the country. <\/p>\n Trump announced on Truth Social Monday that a Trump rally will now place in Washington on July 4, absorbing the long-planned 250th anniversary fireworks celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Post reported. <\/a><\/p>\n The move has prompted criticism, including from U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, whose district was the site where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed. <\/p>\n \u201cOur nation\u2019s 250th anniversary should be an opportunity to bring us together as Americans,\u201d Boyle wrote in a statement. \u201cAny previous president\u2014from either party\u2014would make this event about our nation. But not Trump. He makes it about himself. Because he only cares about himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Boyle is one of several Democratic lawmakers to criticize Trump\u2019s expanding role in the celebrations. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are going to host the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a \u2018TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,\u2019 Trump wrote on Truth Social<\/a>, his social media platform. \u201cThis HUGE Celebration will honor our Country\u2019s People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump said in the post that the event will include air shows, patriotic music \u2014 from Trump\u2019s own playlist \u2014 the largest fireworks show in history, and a keynote speech from him. <\/p>\n \u201cTo conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY,\u201d Trump wrote.<\/p>\n The rally is just the latest in a string of controversial choices by Trump ahead of the 250th. The president announced the rally a day after he hosted a controversial \u201cFreedom 250\u2033 UFC event at the White House for his 80th birthday. <\/p>\n Sen. Andy Kim<\/a> (D., N.J.) criticized the decision to hold the UFC event at the White House, noting on X <\/a>that Trump holds shares in the company and that UFC CEO Dana White donated $1 million to a pro-Trump super PAC.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t a celebration of America 250,\u201d Kim posted on Sunday. \u201cThis is corruption on full display on the White House lawn.\u201d<\/p>\n