Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- As his Administration continues to refuse to disclose the total cost of his campaign-style Independence Day celebration, the Washington Post is reporting that Donald Trump is forcing the National Park Service to divert nearly $2.5 million to cover the costs of the military hardware. According to the report, the $2.5 million in diverted funds is only a fraction of what the total cost for the day will be, which includes fly-overs and a display of jets, tanks, and Air Force One. The funds being stolen were appropriated to address a part of the $12 billion backlog for improving the experience at parks across the country.
Yesterday, the Huffington Post reported that the Republican National Committee and political appointees in the Administration have been offering tickets to the event to major donors.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“On a day intended to celebrate America’s freedom from tyranny, Donald Trump is putting on an authoritarian circus for his wealthy circle of donors -- once again showing his complete lack of understanding of who and what America is and should be. In stealing nearly $2.5 million from the country’s people and parks, Trump is putting himself above the people, the future of the lands Americans have fought for, and our history.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.