With America's 250th birthday just days away, Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-TX) isn't holding back when it comes to states that have chosen to sit out the federal celebrations.
Asked what he would say to states declining to participate in what the administration has branded the "Great American Fair," Hunt didn't hesitate.
"Do you hate our country? Do you hate America?" he answered. "This should not be a partisan issue. I don't care who the president is, this is still our country. Even if it were a Democrat on our two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, I would still be ecstatic to celebrate this country. I'm just glad we have a patriotic president that's willing to do whatever it takes to show American greatness."
Hunt followed up with a social media message that was equally direct, emphasizing the upcoming anniversary as something that transcends party lines.
"America's 250th birthday is not a Republican celebration. It's not a Democrat celebration. It's America's celebration," he wrote. "So if your state is refusing to participate, the question isn't political… it's simple: Why wouldn't you celebrate the greatest country in the history of the world?”
Early Celebrations
Nevertheless, Hunt's comments come as celebrations are already taking shape across the country. President DonaldTrump traveled to North Dakota this week for an early visit to the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a $450 million facility in Medora tracing the life and legacy of America's 26th president.
The library's official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, timed to coincide with the July Fourth festivities marking the nation's semiquincentennial.
President Trump is expected to speak at a nearby amphitheater before heading to Mount Rushmore on Friday for Independence Day fireworks.
“This is one anniversary that should unite us, not divide us. Put the politics away. Celebrate the flag,” Hunt continued. “Celebrate our history. Celebrate the heroes who built, defended, and preserved this Republic. America turns 250 only once. Let's act like it."
