***Live Updates*** Trump Holds Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration
President Donald Trump will hold an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore on Friday evening.
A fireworks show will follow Trump’s remarks.
Trump and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) have been ripped for not requiring masks and social distancing at the event. Activists are also protesting the existence of Mount Rushmore, saying it was built on stolen land by a KKK sympathizer, and warning that the fireworks show (the first since 2009) could cause wildfires.
Stay tuned to Breitbart News for live updates. All times eastern.
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First fireworks over Rushmore in 11 years. pic.twitter.com/9beXVH4GD4
— joe johns (@joejohnscnn) July 4, 2020
11:35 PM: Trump says that centuries later, our legacy will be the cities we built, the champions we forged, the good that we did, and the monuments we created to inspire us all. Crowd chants “USA!” again.
11:30 PM: Trump says he is signing an Executive Order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes that will feature statues of the greatest Americans who have ever lived. he says it will be a “new monument to the giants of our past.”
11:23 PM: Trump says it is “time to plant our flag” to “protect our history, heritage, and our great heroes.”
11:18 PM: Trump now says we will never abolish the police or the Second Amendment. He says children should be taught to honor our history and respect the great American flag. He says “we only kneel to Almighty God. This is who we are. This is what we believe.”
Trump says those who seek to erase our heritage want to dissolve the bonds of loyalty that we feel for each other and the country. He says their goal is to “end America.” He says in its place “they want power for themselves.”
He says the American people “will stand in their way” and “win quickly… with great dignity.”
11:15 PM: After saying Americans will not be silenced by the left (“They want to silence us. But we will not be silenced.”), Trump says we will not apologize for American being “the most just and exceptional” nation to ever exist on the face of the earth that was “founded on Judeo-Christian principles.”
Trump talks about the American family being the “bedrock of American life.”
“We want free and open debate,” Trump says. “Not speech codes and cancel culture.”
Trump says the “social justice” activists only “demolish” justice and society. He says they will use justice as an instrument of division and vengeance.
Trump: “No move to dismantle these treasures … could lead us to better future. They are attacking the country under the banner of social justice, but in truth they demolish both justice and society.”
— argusleader (@argusleader) July 4, 2020
11:12 PM: Trump now speaking about Teddy Roosevelt and his “Roughriders” at the Battle of San Juan Hill. He says Roosevelt gave us many of our national parks, including the Grand Canyon, and oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal. He says he sent the Navy around the world to announce America’s arrival as a great naval power.
He says TR was American freedom personified.
11:10 PM: Trump calls Lincoln “the savior of our union.” He lists his accomplishments like the Homestead Act and the transcontinental railroad while leading the country through the “darkest hours of American history.” He talks about Lincoln winning the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and abolishing slavery via the 13th Amendment.
11:09 PM: Trump speaking up Jefferson’s accomplishments, including the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition.” Trump says Jefferson will also never be abandoned.
11:07 PM: After talking about George Washington choosing not to be a king, Trump says King George called Washington the greatest man of the age, and that is why he remains first in our hearts to this day.
He says we will honor and cherish the father of the country, George Washington, and he will never be removed, abolished, and he will never be forgotten.
11:05 PM: Trump says children are being taught to hate our country and believe that the Founders are “villains.”
People who damage or deface federal statues or monuments “will get a minimum of 10 years in prison,” Trump says at Mount Rushmore pic.twitter.com/kcag1mC44P
— Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake) July 4, 2020
10:57 PM: Trump now rips “cancel culture” (“alien to our country) as “totalitarianism.” He says this “attack” on liberty must be stopped, and this “dangerous movement” will be exposed and preserve “our beloved way of life.” He says there is a “new far-left fascism” in schools, newsrooms, and even corporate boardrooms. He says you will be censored, banished, blacklisted, and punished if you do not partake in the “left-wing cultural revolution” that is trying to overthrow the American revolution that lifted humanity to new heights of discovery and progress. He says if you do not speak its language, perform its rituals, recite its mantras, or follows its commandments, you will be punished. But Trump says “it’s not going to happen to us.”
“Our Nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values & indoctrinate our children. Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials & unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities.”
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 4, 2020
He says that is why he is going to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
10:54 PM: Trump says 1776 was the culmination of thousands of years of Western Civilization.
He says there is a growing danger that threatens every blessing that our ancestors fought so hard for.
He says the nation is witnessing a mercilessly campaign to wipe out history, defame heroes, and indoctrinate children.
Trump says angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials, and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities.
Trump says most have no idea what they are doing but some people no exactly what they are doing. He says they think the American people are soft and submissive but the American people will not allow their history and culture to be taken from them.
244 years ago, 56 patriots gathered in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence.
They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they said: “All Men Are Created Equal!” pic.twitter.com/fB4UnzLPnp
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 4, 2020
10:51 PM: Trump wishes everyone a happy Independence Day. He thanks the doctors working hard to “kill the virus.” He now thanks the state’s Congressional delegation. He says there is no better place to celebrate American Independence than below the “magnificent” Mount Rushmore.
He says he is here to proclaim: “This monument will never be desecrated. These heroes will never be defaced. Their legacy will never ever be destroyed.” He says their achievements will never be erased before saying, “Mount Rushmore will stand forever as an eternal tribute to our forefathers and to our freedom.”
“This monument will never be desecrated, these heroes will never be defaced.”
Slamming the movement to remove Confederate history, Trump says Mount Rushmore will “stand forever as an eternal tribute to our forefathers” pic.twitter.com/zjhaxo9v0E
— Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake) July 4, 2020
Trump says no nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America.
10:50 PM: Trump finally takes the stage to deliver his remarks.
10:40 PM: Noem says there has been an organized campaign to “wipe away the lessons of history” to “discredit America’s founding principles.”
She also notes that America could have had a king after the British defeat but instead got a man who walked away from his position as commader-in-chief” and then walked away from the presidency. She then reads Teddy Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena.”
Noem: “To attempt to cancel the founding generations, is an attempt to cancel our own freedoms.”
— argusleader (@argusleader) July 4, 2020
10:30 PM: Gov. Noem speaks first. Loud cheers when Noem asks who is visiting the state for the first time. She welcomes home the 174th Cyber Protection Unit (involved in Operation Enduring Freedom).
10:15 PM: Trump and First Lady Melania Trump take the stage for the playing of the national anthem. South Dakota native Mary Hart is the emcee.
10:05 PM:
In his speech tonight Pres Trump will denounce what he will call “a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.” He will say “we must protect and preserve our history, our heritage and our heroes.” pic.twitter.com/evGSWbRxKk
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 4, 2020
Welcome to South Dakota, Mr. President. I can’t think of a better backdrop for your arrival than #EllsworthAirForceBase, home to some of the most dedicated men and women our military has ever known. pic.twitter.com/LJdSMIU41c
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) July 4, 2020
9:45 PM: At the top of the hour, Trump is expected to deliver remarks that “will tell the truth about America’s history” and go after the “left-wing mob.” Trump has landed at Mount Rushmore.
@realDonaldTrump arriving at #MtRushmore now on Marine One. pic.twitter.com/7FY3mBhOzk
— Robert C. O’Brien (@robertcobrien) July 4, 2020
Marine One and escort do fly-by Mount Rushmore en route to Landing Zone for tonight’s fireworks event. pic.twitter.com/Xln5dcakmY
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 4, 2020
Trump AF-1 flyover at Mt. Rushmore pic.twitter.com/oikZHmXfZm
— joe johns (@joejohnscnn) July 4, 2020
@realDonaldTrump has landed pic.twitter.com/zPrZDfliNm
— Lee Strubinger (@LeeSDPB) July 4, 2020
Pres. Trump is almost in South Dakota — but first a flyover from Air Force One pic.twitter.com/dNFcPED9XG
— Gabrielle Ake (@gabrielle_ake) July 4, 2020
It’s a packed house out here — at least on the lower deck area https://t.co/ZSTywnQDgg pic.twitter.com/PcpR2FARWb
— Gabrielle Ake (@gabrielle_ake) July 3, 2020
Though tonight’s fireworks at Mt Rushmore is drawing criticism from those fearing damage to surrounding forests and the monument itself, Pres Trump says “Mt. Rushmore’s in great shape and it’s gonna be in great shape for centuries to come.” Says he’s looking forward to the event. pic.twitter.com/6g1VeIn6Vv
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 3, 2020
#MtRushmore pic.twitter.com/BiFQFseYRT
— Lee Strubinger (@LeeSDPB) July 3, 2020
@govkristinoem awaits the arrival of Air Force One at Ellsworth. pic.twitter.com/n821npXUzC
— SDPB News (@SDPBNews) July 4, 2020
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Protests before Trump arrival:
I’m walking back through Keystone and people are lined up on the side of the road. They’re cheering as law enforcement vehicles leaving the protest drive by. pic.twitter.com/c1sTv8a13I
— Arielle Zionts (@Ajzionts) July 4, 2020
Arrests are beginning.
We are reporting #live where #Indigenous activists have been asserting their land rights under the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, blocking the road to #MountRushmore before a scheduled Trump/Pence rally there.https://t.co/85zAougclX
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) July 4, 2020
Law enforcement from several agencies are trying to clear the roadway in Keystone. People Re being warned that tear gas is imminent. pic.twitter.com/koi3GHyTVx
— Kent Bush (@Kentbush) July 3, 2020
The vehicles are being towed. I personallly witnessed one PCSO deputy pepper spray protesters. Another reporter said she saw 3-4 deputies do it. 10+ protesters got sprayed and had to wash their eyes out. pic.twitter.com/QBRik4dw6J
— Arielle Zionts (@Ajzionts) July 4, 2020
National Guard moved past van blockade and now there is one group of protestors with a line of military on either side pic.twitter.com/qBnsgKRK2Y
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 4, 2020
Protestors had moved off the road and into the hill to get away frm the line of national guard. I can see at least two armed and armored national guardsmen have appeared above them on the hill pic.twitter.com/aADdk31jAG
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 3, 2020
Protestors remaining that did not retreat to the hills, etc pic.twitter.com/b3UaF6uJy0
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 3, 2020
Indigenous protesters at Mount Rushmore (sacred Lakota land) have removed the tires from the large white vans in the background, creating a road block that will be very difficult to move.
🎥: @EEBormett
— Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) July 3, 2020
The National Guard is here pic.twitter.com/dAUjyOf4m9
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 3, 2020
— Arielle Zionts (@Ajzionts) July 3, 2020
An Indigenous protester yells “go home you immigrant” at a car driving by on its way to Mount Rushmore.
— Arielle Zionts (@Ajzionts) July 3, 2020
A large protest has gathered at the roadblock in front of the path up to Mount Rushmore. pic.twitter.com/xpUnbCmbKg
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 3, 2020
My view at the protest. I was on the inside of the police line but was told to back up several times. Most media seems to be out with me, some people with cameras are still inside the police line. pic.twitter.com/vCWjP7NaEF
— Erin Bormett (@EEBormett) July 3, 2020
Indigenous protesters have blocked the road leading to tonight’s Trump event at so-called Mount Rushmore (a sacred Lakota site in the Black Hills) pic.twitter.com/apVkto24Un
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) July 3, 2020
#LIVE Keystone, South Dakota: #Indigenous Activists Assert Right to Unceded Land At Anti-Trump Protest https://t.co/m7qj9CXNdx
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) July 3, 2020
A more intensive vehicle blockade has also gone up, blocking the road to Trump’s event in South Dakota. Indigenous people gathered here are invoking their unceded rights to the land – police preparing to make arrests.
We’re live: https://t.co/bUfKrWnwQ9 pic.twitter.com/FILwYcDXP5
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) July 3, 2020
Image: vehicles, #Indigenous demonstrators block the road. A sign reads, “You Are On Stolen Land”
Our field correspondent reporting state troopers have given 1 verbal warning so far. Officers have metal handcuffs.
Many #Trump supporters are waiting to get through the roadblock. pic.twitter.com/H9dDrWEuco
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) July 3, 2020
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Lower camera. Raise standards. Having a super spreader event at Mount Rushmore is irresponsible. 0/10 @KristiNoem pic.twitter.com/kNZDXtzHuH
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) July 4, 2020
As we discussed, masks are good. @ChrisCuomo@CuomoPrimeTime @MountRushmoreNM pic.twitter.com/b97uPi6uiy
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) July 3, 2020
Getting tested for COVID-19 at Mount Rushmore in advance of the President’s arrival. pic.twitter.com/vJbwxSumtG
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) July 3, 2020
In case of an emergency, like a fire or a storm or anything that would cause people to quickly move out, the ties ensure that the chairs will not be easily knocked over or fly into egress paths. Additionally, the tied chairs then cannot be used as a weapon, per the official.
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) July 3, 2020
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Umbrellas allowed?
An umbrella sounds nice right about now. ☀️ #kelonews pic.twitter.com/JExVx8Uv2N
— Kelli Volk (@KELOKelliVolk) July 3, 2020
Crowd size has grown. #kelonews pic.twitter.com/LDt4MjYJJJ
— Kelli Volk (@KELOKelliVolk) July 3, 2020
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Tribal Leaders Want Mount Rushmore Removed:
Trump’s Mount Rushmore fireworks show is a Fourth of July attack on Indigenous people, writes Nick Tilsen.
Mount Rushmore is a racist and colonialist symbol that was carved into land brazenly stolen from my ancestors.https://t.co/7vRO1JBxOF
— NBC News THINK (@NBCNewsTHINK) July 3, 2020
Oglala Sioux Tribe Pres. Julian Bear Runner says President Trump’s planned fireworks display at Mount Rushmore before Independence Day is “not just a threat to my people, but it’s a threat to the land and it’s a threat to mankind,” due to COVID-19.https://t.co/h488r3bmDt
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 3, 2020
Oglala Lakota tribe member Nick Tilsen says Mount Rushmore is a “symbol of white supremacy.”
“When you carve out four white men who were colonizers, who committed genocides against indigenous people … and for that to be okay in society today is fundamentally wrong.” pic.twitter.com/mrnM4RJgpC
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 3, 2020
Julian Bear Runner, president of the Oglala Sioux tribal council: “The lands [Trump’s] about to visit belong to the Great Sioux nation … and I have to tell him he doesn’t have permission from its original sovereign owners to enter the territory.”https://t.co/WYYypT331X
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 3, 2020
Trump has no right to go on Sioux nation lands to Mount Rushmore. He should instead ensure First Nation indigenous people have what they need to fight COVID-19 & stop corporations from stealing & drilling on holy lands.
— Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II (@RevDrBarber) July 3, 2020
Lakota tribal leader calls for the removal of Mount Rushmore- a monument that is on Lakota land and was carved by Gutzon Borglum, a member of the Klu Klux Klan.
It’s been powerful seeing racist memorials pulled down in towns around the states, but imagine taking it up a notch.. pic.twitter.com/5LNnYN6rGe
— dakota hanwi 🌙 (@dakotawint) July 1, 2020
Native tribal leaders are calling for the removal of Mount Rushmore https://t.co/YlRciVdlWX pic.twitter.com/DKpZyIKwPV
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 3, 2020
The man who sculpted Mount Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum, had ties to the KKK.
“He was on Klan councils. He met with them. He had lots of friends with them,” historian John Taliaferro says. https://t.co/Q9c56s54oQ
— Here & Now (@hereandnow) July 1, 2020
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