Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to erect a statue garden in Washington DC as part of the US semiquincentennial celebrations is facing mounting difficulties, with critics describing the project as a ‘theatre of the absurd’. The president had promised to beautify the capital with new monuments and a triumphal arch, but the initiative has been beset by delays, cost overruns, and accusations of political cronyism.
The most visible embarrassment is the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which turned bright green due to an algae bloom days after a $14.7m renovation. No-bid contracts were awarded to vendors with past ties to Trump, and the president has blamed vandals for the debacle, threatening them with jail time. The pool’s ‘American flag blue’ coating also began peeling off shortly after completion.
The official birthday events have been overshadowed by partisan tensions. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall, billed as a non-partisan celebration, became a de facto Trump rally after performing artists withdrew over its partisan nature. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy denounced ‘libtards’ and praised Trump as the greatest president since George Washington. The fair, running for 16 days, is reportedly sparsely attended and plagued by power cuts to its ferris wheel.
The once-bipartisan America250 commission, established by Congress to coordinate the anniversary, has been sidelined by Trump’s hands-on approach. Several states and territories declined to send delegations due to the president’s interference. The 4 July ‘Salute to America’ event will feature Trump and an attempt to break the world record for the largest firework display, followed by the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in August.
Historians and commentators have expressed dismay at the turn of events. Eddie Glaude, author of a book on race and national anniversaries, said there is ‘a sense of dread’ about the celebrations, predicting they will descend into ‘terrible myth-making’. The semiquincentennial, meant to unite the nation, has instead become a source of division and existential angst.
