The Washington Post just found a new reason to panic about President Trump’s historic Fourth of July celebration — fireworks smoke.
Days before Americans gather to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the legacy media outlet published a report warning that Trump’s massive pyrotechnic display could create “hazardous levels of pollution” around the National Mall.
The newspaper cited internal National Park Service documents projecting elevated levels of fine particulate matter for several hours after the approximately 40-minute fireworks show.
According to the Post, draft modeling predicts particulate matter concentrations between 600 and 1,200 micrograms per cubic meter in the most likely scenario, with a worst-case projection exceeding 2,000 micrograms depending on weather conditions.
The paper reported that attendees should “avoid prolonged exposure” to the smoke and highlighted recommendations that people wear N95 masks outdoors.
The Post acknowledges that projected pollution levels of up to 1,200 micrograms per cubic meter “match what have been recorded with other fireworks events.”
The National Park Service’s own projections indicate the expected pollution levels are consistent with what has previously been measured during large fireworks displays — even as the newspaper frames this year’s celebration as a significant public health concern.
New York University professor George Thurston told the Post that people should use “the precautionary principle” by minimizing exposure and suggested that “an N95 mask would be a good idea.”
The celebration, dubbed “Salute to America,” is expected to feature roughly 850,000 fireworks launched from multiple locations around Washington, D.C., alongside military flyovers, live musical performances, and remarks from President Trump.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has described the display as a “must-see event.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week: “The Fourth of July Airshow, over Washington, D.C., our Great Capital, will be the biggest, by far, in the History of the United States of America.”
“Hundreds of Planes, of different types, sizes, and speeds, will be on display. … I will be speaking at approximately 9 P.M., preceding the Fireworks which again, like the Airshow, will be approximately ten times larger than any Fireworks in the History of our Country.”
The Post even ventured into environmental justice concerns, highlighting one internal Park Service document that reportedly instructed staff to “not treat race, ethnicity, income, disability, age, or language as risks by themselves,” while noting that some predominantly black and lower-income neighborhoods are located near the fireworks sites.
The Daily Beast quickly echoed the coverage, similarly warning readers that Trump’s fireworks show would create “hazardous levels of pollution” and emphasizing recommendations for masks and limiting outdoor exposure.
Trump has encouraged Americans to attend what he has called an unprecedented patriotic celebration.
“So, if you like Airplanes and Fireworks and President Trump, be there!” the president wrote.
