Trump’s disputed Fourth set to go off

WASHINGTON — The red carpet has been unrolled at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. The giant video screens and loudspeakers are ready. And on a platform in front of the place for the cameras, a brown lectern and lone microphone wait for Thursday.

Beyond that — and the showery weather forecast — many details about President Donald Trump’s plans for a Fourth of July extravaganza remain clouded in uncertainty.

Trump, casting the extravaganza as a “Salute to America,” tweeted Tuesday that military leaders are “thrilled” to participate. If so, they were hiding it well. Pentagon officials referred questions to the White House. Military officials would not even say whether Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, plans to attend.

“Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World,” Trump tweeted. “Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks!”

The president also has said there will be tanks — modern Abrams tanks and “brand new” World War Ii-era Sherman tanks — present for his speech at the memorial.

Details were few, but four tanks were spotted being power-washed on railroad cars Tuesday near the Anacostia River.

Nor is it clear whether the president misspoke about the Shermans, which haven’t been manufactured in decades.

National Park Service officials have warned that tanks near the Lincoln Memorial could damage the hallowed site. Engineers were examining the area this week to determine whether the weight would affect the memorial’s underground rooms.

Meanwhile, the White House has said VIP tickets will be issued to members of the administration and their family members and friends. Huffpost reported that the tickets are also going to Republican donors and political appointees.

Trump intends to address the nation from the memorial. The area in front of the memorial on Tuesday was crowded with tents, trailers and different colored spotlights.

His “Salute to America,” with music, military demonstrations and flyovers by Air Force One, the Navy’s Blue Angels and other aircraft, is to take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The first of two fireworks displays will launch at 9:07 p.m.