Tanks, Protestors & More Photos You Need to See as Trump Celebrates the Fourth with a 'Salute to America'

This year's Fourth of July festivities in Washington, D.C., feature the usual concert, fireworks and parade — as well as a "Salute to America" event organized by President Donald Trump. With Trump's involvement, protestors have also gathered as the sky threatens rain overheard.

01 of 21

'Baby Trump' Appears

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A North Carolina man who gave his name only as "Schwartz," views a "baby Trump" balloon as it is moved into position before Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The balloon is a favorite of Trump protestors.

02 of 21

'Baby Trump' Appears

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Protester Jim Girvan moves the "baby Trump" balloon into position before Independence Day celebrations, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

03 of 21

Tanks at the Lincoln Memorial

Fourth of July , Washington, USA
A pair of armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles on display in front of the Lincoln Memorial for Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2019. ERIK S LESSER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A pair of armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles are on display in front of the Lincoln Memorial for Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The president is set to address the crowd on Thursday night at the memorial, with fireworks a few hours later.

Though Trump's speech is free, it reportedly includes a VIP section for select guests and conservative politicos — which critics say injections partisanhip into the holiday.

The president's use of military vehicles is also not without controversy.

"Put troops out there so we can thank them — leave tanks for Red Square," one retired general told The New York Times, raising the argument that parading military might through a city is essentially authoritarian.

Trump's event reportedly led to notable closures of the airspace around D.C. and increased security in the city. Its cost was unclear.

04 of 21

Supporters Gather

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A supporter of President Trump makes her way through a security checkpoint before Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

It's unclear how many people will go the president's Thursday night celebration in front of the Lincoln Memorial, though crowd sizes remain very important to him.

The threat of rain in the area may also supress attendance.

05 of 21

Protestors Gather, Too

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A "Trump Baby" balloon, set up by members of the CodePink group, is seen ahead of the "Salute to America" Fourth of July event with President Donald Trump on July 4, 2019.

The "baby Trump" balloon, set up by members of the Code Pink group, is seen ahead of Trump's "Salute to America" at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

06 of 21

But Before All of That ...

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... There was the annual parade earlier Thursday along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

07 of 21

The Parade Passes By

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People watch the parade for the Fourth of July as it passes in front of the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

08 of 21

'Tanks but No Tanks'

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Code Pink activist Medea Benjamin speaks during a news conference at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday to protest President Trump and the tanks that were brought in for his "Salute to America" ceremony.

D.C.'s legislature had a similar complaint.

09 of 21

Trump on the Toilet

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Protesters unveil a statue of President Donald Trump tweeting on a toilet during a protest on the national all in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2019. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty

Protesters unveil a statue of the president tweeting on a toilet at the National Mall ahead of the Thursday night "Salute to America" at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

10 of 21

The Crowds

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People gather on the National Mall ahead of the "Salute to America" event Thursday night at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., which will feature military flyovers and a speech by Trump.

11 of 21

The Founding Fathers

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC
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Re-enactors of the founding fathers read the Declaration of Independence outside the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

12 of 21

Pointed Messages

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC

Among the merchandise along the parade route in Washington, D.C., was this T-shirt. Some anti-Trump veterans were also set to hand out shirts in support of the late Sen. John McCain, a Trump foe.

13 of 21

In Formation

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC
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A Marine Corps unit participates in in the Fourth of July parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

14 of 21

The Star-Spangled Banner

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A patriotic boy watches the Fourth of July parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

15 of 21

Parade Performers

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A jump rope team participates in the Fourth of July parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

16 of 21

An Old-Timey Tune

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC
US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps participate in “America’s Independence Day Parade” as part of the “Salute to America”. ERIK S LESSER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps participates in the Fourth of July parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

17 of 21

The Armed Services

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC
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Members of the U.S. military participate in the Fourth of July parade in Washington, D.C.

18 of 21

Honest Abe

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An Abraham Lincoln impersonator participates in the Fourth of July parade in Washington, D.C.

19 of 21

Showing Support for the President

Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC
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Sporting signs with the president's signature slogan, people gather to watch the Fourth of July festivities around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

20 of 21

Face-to-Face

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Anti- and pro-Trump groups argue on the National Mall ahead of his "Salute to America" celebration Thursday night at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

21 of 21

The Divide

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Anti- and pro-Trump groups argue on the National Mall ahead of his "Salute to America" celebration Thursday night at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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