Washington Post Panics Over Trump’s July Fourth Fireworks: ‘Wear An N95 Mask’

President Donald Trump’s promise to host the largest Independence Day fireworks display in American history has apparently sparked a new concern from the legacy media: fireworks smoke.

Just days before Americans gather in the nation’s capital to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary festivities, The Washington Post published a report warning that the massive pyrotechnic display planned for July 4 could create “hazardous levels of pollution” and “very unhealthy” air quality around the National Mall.

The newspaper cited internal National Park Service documents projecting elevated levels of fine particulate matter — known as PM2.5 — for several hours after the approximately 40-minute fireworks show concludes.

The Post focused primarily on the smoke the display is expected to generate. According to the outlet, draft National Park Service 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 and remain indoors as much as possible during and after the fireworks show.

Yet buried within the report is an admission that undercuts much of its alarm. 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.”

In other words, 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.

The Washington Post article also quotes New York University professor George Thurston, who recommended that people 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,” while Trump has touted it as the largest fireworks show in American history.

“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week.

“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 further highlighted internal agency guidance stating pollution could remain elevated for three to six hours after the show and even ventured into environmental justice concerns.

One internal Park Service document 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 coverage was quickly echoed by The Daily Beast, which similarly warned readers that Trump’s fireworks show would create “hazardous levels of pollution” and emphasized recommendations for masks and limiting outdoor exposure.

The outlet also spotlighted concerns over summer heat and security restrictions surrounding the event while noting White House hopes for a large turnout after Trump’s kickoff rally for the America 250 celebration.

Trump, meanwhile, 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.