Obama throws subtle shade at Trump's mega July 4 celebration plans, urges Americans to listen to experts
Former President Barack Obama on Friday, July 3, took yet another veiled dig at his successor Donald Trump over the latter's decision to hold back-to-back events on the 244th Independence Day on Saturday, July 4. Authorities have expressed concern over a spike in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as thousands of people are expected to assemble for the celebrations. America is the worst-affected nation at the moment with nearly 2.8 million getting affected and more than 129,000 dead.
Trump and FLOTUS Melania were already facing heavy criticism from the local native Americans in South Dakota over their presiding July 4 celebrations at Mount Rushmore on Saturday. Several blockaded the road leading to the landmark in protests and many were arrested. South Dakota’s GOP Governor Kristi Noem said on Fox News Channel earlier this week that there “will not be social distancing” though masks will be provided. She left it to the attendees to decide what they wanted to do.
On Saturday, the Trumps are scheduled to host the administration’s second ‘Salute to America’ celebration on the National Mall in the capital where fireworks will be on display. The Trump administration has announced handing out 300,000 masks to those attending but has stopped short of making wearing the mask mandatory.
Obama, 58, cautioned the people of the US to stay safe on the holiday and asked them to listen to experts and not those who are "trying to divide us". Obama, who recently appeared in a virtual fundraising event with presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, has been taking indirect digs at Trump of late to show his active participation in an electoral mission to dethrone the maverick Republican.
In a tweet, Obama said: "This holiday weekend, let's be safe and smart. It's going to take all of us to beat this virus. So wear a mask. Wash your hand. That's the only way we'll do this — together."
The former two-term president pointed to a New York Times article published in June that advised Americans about socially distancing ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. The piece talked about several virtual fireworks taking place around the US. It gave Americans other tips to celebrate the day -- by virtually touring national landmarks, watch a film about the nation’s founding, trying American recipes, etc.
Dr Anthony Fauci cautions against crowding
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has locked horns with Trump in the past, said on Wednesday, July 1, that she warned federal officials about hosting the mega events that could see the virus getting rapidly transmitted. The Democrat also conceded that she has no jurisdiction over the event which will be held on federal property. She also advised the people to spend the day at home this year and has already canceled a planned daytime parade.
Dr Anthony Fauci, a top infectious diseases expert and a member of the president’s coronavirus task force who had several moments of disagreement with the latter, said during an Instagram Q&A session with former CNN White House correspondent Jessica Yellin that people should avoid assembly, wear masks and maintain social distancing.
"It doesn't matter what the reason for the congregation, whether it's a celebration here, the demonstration there. It doesn't make any difference - wear a mask," the veteran doctor said.