(Fox News) – President Trump is gearing up for his military-themed celebration on July Fourth, but the fireworks already are erupting as critics complain about the nature and cost of the event — and authorities worry about possible violent clashes between leftist and right-wing protesters. Anti-war Code Pink members began arriving at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, saying in a press release they intend “to protest the militarization of July 4” and hold an “anti-imperialist festival” Thursday on the National Mall.
They are looking to float a “Baby Trump” balloon — versions of which have been flown at protests in London — blocks away from the national celebration. The National Park Service denied their initial request to fly the blimp, but Code Pink has filed additional paperwork in a last-ditch bid to see the inflated caricature of the president take float. But other left-wing activists organized by All Out D.C. are set to mobilize on Saturday in response to a planned rally by self-described “Western chauvinist” group the Proud Boys. U.S. Park Police, which covers the National Mall, is on alert, according to the Washington Post. READ MORE
