Donald Trump offered himself, on the eve of the national holiday on July 4, an evening of fireworks and a very harsh speech in conquered territory. The President of the United States spoke on Friday, July 3, at Mount Rushmore under the gaze of four of his distant predecessors, cut in granite, which he praised for a long time - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - to defend the "integrity" of his country.

"We will tell the truth as it is, without apologizing: the United States of America is the most just and exceptional country ever to have existed on Earth," he said to a crowd. chanting "Four more years", in which masks were rare.

In the midst of a debate on the symbols of the country's history, and while statues of Confederate generals were brought down by anti-racist protesters, Donald Trump denounced "a campaign to erase our history, defame our heroes, suppress our values ​​and indoctrinate our children. " But "the Americans are strong and proud," he added.

Donald Trump is trying "to energize his base by trying in particular to instill fear in his voters," said Sonia Dridi, France 24 correspondent in Washington. "It is trying to regain popularity by hosting grand events," she added. "It feels like a campaign meeting".

The Covid-19 crisis is "managed"

The billionaire, who leaves his vice-president Mike Pence in the front line in the face of the spectacular rebound of the epidemic, has only very briefly mentioned the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the south and west.

In a bad position in the polls, Donald Trump has been sticking to one message for several days: the coronavirus crisis is "managed", the American economy is starting again "stronger and faster" than expected and the year 2021 will be "historical". Donald Trump Junior's girlfriend has tested positive, the New York Times reported Friday.

Yet in stark contrast to Europe, contamination records are broken daily in the United States. Many states have had to pause deconfinement, or even backtrack, hastily closing bars and beaches.

At the start of this long holiday weekend, former Democratic President Barack Obama called for a start. "Defeating this virus will require everyone's mobilization. Wear a mask. Wash your hands," he tweeted. "And listen to the experts, not those who are trying to divide us."

The White House tenant, who was accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, knew he could count on a warm welcome in South Dakota, a sparsely populated state which he won in 2016 with more than 60% of the vote.

"No social distancing"

And Republican Governor Kristi Noem had indicated in advance that she did not intend to spoil the party. "We have told those who are worried that they can stay at home," she said. "For those who want to join us, we will distribute free masks, if they decide to wear one. But there will be no social distancing."

Representatives of Sioux tribes protested against the organization of this evening in the Black Hills mountains - where the heads were carved from 1927 to 1941 - which they consider sacred.

Donald Trump has long talked to him about his fascination with Mount Rushmore. In 2017, he even joked that his face might be added to it one day. Beyond all political considerations, however, it is unlikely to happen.

With AFP

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