Trump targets 'Marxists' in July 4th speech, boasts of coronavirus response despite record case numbers

WASHINGTON – Despite warnings by public health officials about the spread of COVID-19, President Donald Trump hosted a July Fourth party Saturday at which he assailed the "angry mob" that opposes him and defended his administration's coronavirus response despite record high case numbers.

"We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the Marxists, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing," Trump said during a "Salute to America" event at the White House.

Trump claimed progress is being made on the virus – "we've learned how to put out the flame" – even though new U.S. cases are on a record pace, including more than 50,000 in the past three days.