Transcript
Americans are facing a very different Fourth of July this year.
As the cases of coronavirus surge around the country, health officials worry that people eager to celebrate the holiday with others will create the perfect storm for the virus to spread even more.
New cases of the virus rising in at least 36 states and hospitals in some of the hardest hit areas are struggling to keep up.
Health experts worry the holiday weekend could add fuel to the Covid fire.
Also many Americans are questioning what the holiday means as the country grapples with a history of racism.
Despite the crisis, President Trump held a huge celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial Friday night in South Dakota.
The event included music, a military flyover and a huge fireworks display.
The crowd was estimated to be around 7,500 with no social distancing required and masks optional.
Experts say that poses health risks for everyone including Trump.
But Trump only mention coronavirus once in his speech.
Instead he focused on what he sees as an attack on historic statues and monuments across the country.
Those monuments are viewed as symbols of oppression including the faces on Mount Rushmore.
But Trump vowed he is not going to let the statues be destroyed by “those who seek to erase our heritage.”
Posted – 7.4.20