WASHINGTON — It seems D.C. has been quite active, as a New York Times reporter travels around the country.
A well-known former NPR host, now a podcaster with The Times, has ignited a social media frenzy by criticizing the military flyovers that took over the skies of Washington, D.C., in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Lulu Garcia-Navarro, the host of The Interview, called the remarkable display of military might and engineering “unnerving,” which led to a wave of mockery online.
“Why are there so many jets flying so fast over Washington, D.C.? It’s nerve-wracking. I’ve been congratulated 250 times, but it feels like the end of the world,” Garcia-Navarro remarked during a show on X.
This outcry followed the beginning of the flyover, which lasted over three hours on Friday.
Since that time, the number of spirited exhibitions of patriotism on Independence Day has significantly increased.
Participants could see an array of aircraft, including B-2 bombers, NASA F-5s, Thunderbirds, Ospreys, and Air Force One making its way through D.C.’s airspace on Saturday.
That same day, an impressive 850,000 fireworks were launched, breaking the previous record of 810,904. For reference, D.C. usually gathers around 7,000 people on the National Mall for Independence Day festivities.
Garcia-Navarro’s comments sparked a considerable reaction on social media.
Molly Hemingway, the editor of the Federalist, commented, “I hope your publication is an apocalypse of America-hating, fueled and spewed.”
Meanwhile, Mark Bednar expressed excitement on X, stating, “Absolutely amazing. More tomorrow!”
Garcia-Navarro also shared her personal struggle with the sounds of fireworks and jets, mentioning her experiences reporting on war, which led to PTSD. “Trigger warning: Happy Independence Day. I don’t like fireworks either! Why? I have PTSD from reporting on war. Even if you overcome the effects, your body remembers the sounds of conflict. However, there are many people who don’t like jet planes or fireworks,” she noted. “My niece is with me…”
In response to the backlash, Sean Davis, co-founder and CEO of Federalist, quipped, “Did you think about crying harder over that?”
Conservative commentator Nick Souter added, “We should have made sure this wasn’t a parody account.”
Steve Guest, another conservative voice, jotted a sarcastic remark: “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
Garcia-Navarro, whose reporting has taken her to war zones in Kosovo, Colombia, Afghanistan, Israel, and Iraq, explained that such displays trigger her PTSD.
“There are so many ways to love America and celebrate Independence Day. Have fun!” she concluded.
