North Dakota and South Dakota last voted for a Democrat for President in 1964. They haven’t sent a Democrat to the House or Senate in the last decade. So Trump visiting Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Mt Rushmore is a sign of a guy who needs to really work to get some applause, by going to some of the MAGA-friendliest (and smallest) states in the Union.
Whatever he’s planning to do tonight in DC is going to be a giant failure, plus an environmental catastrophe:
Scientists have well documented the soot and heavy metal pollution that can spike severely in the wake of pyrotechnic displays, and the world-record-setting number of fireworks lined up for July 4 will mean an equally large jump in pollution, according to experts and internal NPS documents reviewed by POLITICO.
There are no indications that the administration plans to suggest masking or other personal protection for revelers viewing the fireworks from the nation’s front lawn. And the Environmental Protection Agency said tracking the air quality impacts of the fireworks isn’t their jurisdiction.
“First off, fireworks are awesome and we hope everyone enjoys the incredible shows in and around our nation’s capital as we celebrate 250 years of America,” EPA spokesperson Mike Bastasch said in an email. “The EPA is not issuing permits for the fireworks for this event.”
But NPS officials have warned internally that the fireworks could cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall. The draft air-quality analysis from May says people should “avoid prolonged exposure” to the fine particulate matter pollution, including by wearing N95 masks “when outdoors.”
Last year, according to the park service, Washington’s display set off just 7,000 fireworks. Multiplying that by 120 could also deposit into the Potomac River water pollutants like perchlorates and heavy metals, the effects of which on humans and the environment are still not well understood by scientists.
The whole thing is completely on-brand for the failed Trump administration and MAGA movement: selfish and incompetent.

