The District of Columbia says it expects the federal government to pay for any damage to roads caused by military tanks and other heavy vehicles brought to city for President Donald Trump's Fourth of July event.
Kevin Donahue, the city's deputy mayor for public safety, tells The Associated Press that civil engineers will assess roads and bridges after the holiday to determine if there's been damage.
Donahue says the city had little choice but to accept the tanks and other heavy equipment despite objections to Trump's plan by the City Council.
Two Bradley fighting vehicles were parked near the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, and Trump is promising the "show of a lifetime." In addition, two 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall.
Trump's planned addition to the usual Fourth of July festivities includes displays of military hardware, flyovers by military aircraft, a Trump speech at the Lincoln Memorial and a longer-than-usual fireworks show.
Trump is pushing back against complaints about the cost of the extravaganza, saying the expenses "will be very little compared to what it is worth."
Protesters are also arriving ahead of Thursday's Independence Day events.
White House officials sought to counter the criticism by stressing that the president would deliver a patriotic speech at the Lincoln Memorial during an event that he has billed as honoring the U.S. armed forces.
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The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth. We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019
