A New York Times reporter sparked outrage on social media after complaining about how many jets were flying over Washington DC for America’s 250th anniversary.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro, co-host of the New York Times podcast The Interview, posted her complaint on X on July 3, where it received millions of views.

Although it was the day before Independence Day, Washington DC was already conducting dozens of military flyovers. Trump had resolved to make the city’s celebrations as grandiose as possible and to frequently show off the planes. 

But Garcia-Navarro was not having it. ‘Why are we having so many jets scorching over DC? Nerve-wracking. I get 250 celebrations but it feels like the apocalypse,’ she wrote on X. 

The tweet was timestamped to 10.44am, near the beginning of the flyovers. They continued for around three hours that day. 

On July 4th itself, the flyovers lasted more than twice as long, featuring B-2 bombers, NASA F-5s, Thunderbirds, Ospreys, Golden Knights and even Air Force One.

Gracia-Navarro’s complaint struck a nerve with many observers, and her replies were flooded with criticism. 

‘Have you considered crying about it even harder?’ wrote Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of the conservative online magazine, The Federalist. 

‘Sorry for triggering you,’ Garcia-Navarro replied with a sad face emoticon.

New York Times reporter Lulu Garcia-Navarro sparked backlash on social media after she posted a tweet on X complaining about the number of jet flyovers in Washington DC on July 3

The flyovers on July 3 lasted about three hours, and on the Fourth they lasted more than six hours. The US Navy Blue Angels are pictured over the US Marine Corps War Memorial on July 4

The flyovers included B-2 bombers, NASA F-5s, Thunderbirds, Ospreys, Golden Knights and Air Force One, which is pictured above the Washington Monument

‘We can hope it’s the apocalypse for the America-hating that your publication foments and spews,’ said Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist. 

‘…seriously? This is our 250th birthday! You cannot hate our media more,’ another user said.

‘Mainstream commentators have become so emotionally fragile,’ yet another chimed in. 

Countless others posted humorous pictures and memes making fun of Garcia-Navarro’s tweet. 

On July 4th, Washington DC set off a whopping 850,000 fireworks, breaking the previous record of 810,904. 

Typically, around 7,000 fireworks are set off at the National Mall to celebrate the holiday. 

Garcia-Navarro had something to say about that celebratory display too. 

‘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,’ a second tweet by the reporter began. 

‘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!’ her tweet concluded. 

Washington DC set off a record-breaking 850,000 fireworks to celebrate July 4th, which Garcia-Navarro complained about as well

Users online also criticized the New York Times reporter for complaining about the fireworks, some of which are pictured bursting over the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Memorial Bridge

Once again, Garcia-Navarro’s replies were flooded with angry users. 

‘I’m a combat veteran with PTSD. I am also a patriot. You, on the other hand, are a spoiled narcissist. #America250 isn’t about you. Glad we had this talk,’ one user wrote.

‘You sound like a miserable human being. who would listen to anything you have to say everything with liberals is doom and gloom sounds like you have no reason to continue,’ another said. 

‘July 4th. How do I make this about me?’ a third chimed in.