And by serving as the arbiter of patriotism — as he did during the controversy over kneeling NFL players — and as a strong commander-in-chief, Trump is also laying a political trap.

On national TV, he can pose once again as the patriotic and defiant scourge of elites who sneer at the values of heartland Americans — the strategy he used to win election in 2016 and on which he is banking to claim a second term.

In a pair of tweets Wednesday, Trump hinted that the evening’s themes will be closely aligned to his reelection message.

“Our July 4th Salute to America at…