WASHINGTON — DC was a little busy going full America for this New York Times reporter.
A famed ex-NPR host-turned-podcaster for the Gray Lady ignited a social media firestorm for railing against the dozens of military flyovers that roared across DC’s skies to mark America’s 250th birthday.
Lulu Garcia-Navarro, who hosts “The Interview” for The Times, decried the awe-inspiring display of America’s awesome military and engineering genius as “nerve-wracking,” triggering widespread social media mockery.
“Why are we having so many jets scorching over DC? Nerve-wracking. I get 250 celebrations, but it feels like the apocalypse,” Garcia-Navarro groused on X on Friday.
She had complained at the very beginning of the aircraft flyover, which went on for a little over three hours on Friday.
The patriotic show of force more than doubled that time on Independence Day.
The flyovers saw B-2 bombers, NASA F-5s, Thunderbirds, Ospreys, Golden Knights, and, on Saturday, Air Force One blast through DC’s airspace.
On Saturday, DC also had a record-breaking, dazzling 850,000 fireworks launched, surpassing the prior record of 810,904. For context, DC typically sets off 7,000 at the National Mall to celebrate Independence Day.
Social media erupted at Garcia-Navarro’s contempt for the grandiose spectacle.
“We can hope it’s the apocalypse for the America-hating that your publication foments and spews, the Federalist’s editor-in-chief, Mollie Hemingway, spat back.
“It’s actually really awesome. Even more tomorrow!” Mark Bednar posted on X.
“Have you considered crying about it even harder?” the Federalist’s co-founder and CEO, Sean Davis, snarked.
“I had to check to make sure this wasn’t a parody account,” conservative pundit Nick Sortor chided.
“I’m so sorry this is happening to you,” conservative communicator Steve Guest jabbed.
Garcia-Navarro, who spent time in Kosovo, Colombia, Afghanistan, Israel, and Iraq covering wars, explained that the flyovers and fireworks trigger her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her time on the battlefield.
“TRIGGER WARNING: Well, Happy Independence Day. I don’t like fireworks either! Why? I have PTSD from covering wars. Your body remembers the sounds of conflict even if you are past the effects,” she explained.
“But also, lots of people don’t like jets and fireworks! My niece who is with me has auditory processing disorder. There are lots of ways to love America and celebrate Independence Day. Enjoy yours!”
