Fox News Scored With July 4th 'Salute To America' Coverage

Fox News had 4.8 million viewers for its coverage of President Trump's Fourth of July "Salute to America" speech, according to The Hill citing Nielsen Media Research, marking the highest ratings the network has registered on July 4 in its nearly 23-year history.

The viewership topped NBC's prime-time coverage of the Fourth of July fireworks show from New York City, which averaged 3.8 million total viewers.

CNN also carried Trump's speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington live and averaged 1.5 million viewers.

In the 25- to 54-year-old demographic sought by advertisers, Fox News averaged 793,000 viewers during the president's remarks, while CNN averaged 353,000 in the category.

Trump announced Monday he planned to hold a similar Fourth of July event in 2020, sparking backlash from Democrats who believe the event is too expensive.

The Interior Department and Defense Department have not provided specifics around the cost of the 2019 event.