NPS Diverts $2.5 Million In Fees For Trump’s July 4 Extravaganza

"The National Park Service is diverting nearly $2.5 million in entrance and recreation fees primarily intended to improve parks across the country to cover costs associated with President Trump’s Independence Day celebration Thursday on the Mall, according to two individuals familiar with the arrangement.

Trump administration officials have consistently refused to say how much taxpayers will have to pay for the expanded celebration on the Mall this year, which the president has dubbed the “Salute to America.” The two individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the transfer of the Park Service funds Tuesday.

The diverted park fees represent just a fraction of the extra costs the government faces as a result of the event, which will include displays of military hardware, flyovers by an array of jets including Air Force One, the deployment of tanks on the Mall and an extended pyrotechnics show. By comparison, according to former Park Service deputy director Denis P. Galvin, the entire Fourth of July celebration on the Mall typically costs the agency about $2 million."

Juliet Eilperin, Josh Dawsey, and Dan Lamothe report for the Washington Post July 2, 2019.

SEE ALSO:

"Senate Democrat: Interior Secretary Ignored Questions About Funding For Trump's July 4 Celebration" (The Hill)

"Activists Get Permit To Fly 'Baby Trump' Blimp Over July 4 'Salute To Trump' Celebration" (The Hill)

"‘We’ll Be Ready For It’: Officials On Alert As Activists Plan Two Days Of Washington Protests" (Washington Post)

"'Baby Trump' Blimp Appears Grounded For July 4 Protest During President's DC Celebration" (USA TODAY)

"President Trump's Fourth of July Tanks Could Wreak Havoc on Washington's Streets" (Esquire)

"RNC Receives VIP Tickets to Trump's Fourth of July Celebration; DNC Does Not" (NBC 4 DC)

"The VIP Section Of Trump's July 4th Event, Filled By His Campaign And GOP Groups, Seems Kind Of Shady" (The Week)

Source: Washington Post, 07/03/2019