SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – President Donald Trump planned a fiery Mount Rushmore speech Friday night including denunciations of protesters he says are trying to “tear down” the nation’s history, coupling condemnation of those who pull down statues with the more traditional July Fourth praise of America’s past and values.
Trump, who has spoken forcefully against protesters who have tried to topple Confederate monuments and statues honoring those who have benefited from slavery, planned to target “the left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture,” said a person familiar with his remarks.
Trump planned to condemn such “totalitarian behavior that is completely alien to American life,” said the person, who described the planned remarks in advance only on condition of anonymity.
The president was to preside over a fireworks display at an event expected to draw thousands, even as coronavirus cases spike across the country.
The president was enjoying a South Dakota show of support, with the state Republican Party selling T-shirts that feature Trump on the memorial alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. But concern about the coronavirus risk and wildfire danger from the fireworks, along with protests from Native American groups, were also expected.