Full story
Trump at 250th
The United States marked its 250th birthday on July 4 with events in Washington, including a super-sized fireworks display on the National Mall as President Donald Trump used the anniversary for political rallies.
“Donald Trump aprovechó la conmemoración del 250 aniversario de la independencia de Estados Unidos para reivindicar la fortaleza económica, militar y política del país durante un discurso pronunciado ante el Monte Rushmore”
Trump delivered an evening address at Mount Rushmore on July 3, speaking under the gaze of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt while saying America’s identity was under “renewed attack” from domestic “radicals and extremists.”
The Straits Times said the holiday came amid a brutal heatwave, with some 160 million Americans under extreme weather warnings and with the Washington parade cancelled as temperatures in the capital were expected to reach 39 deg C and a heat index of 43-46 deg C.
In Washington, Reuters reported Trump would mark the 250th anniversary with a campaign-style ceremony on the National Mall, with enhanced security and possible storms alongside an unprecedented heat wave that led to the cancellation and postponement of parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Reuters also said people began queuing near the National Mall as temperatures reached 39°C on Saturday afternoon to secure spots for fireworks later in the evening.
Divisions and quotes
As celebrations unfolded, The Straits Times described deep divisions near Capitol Hill where masked men gathered and shouted “Reclaim America!” while Pope Leo XIV used the occasion to argue that defending human life includes welcoming immigrants.
The Straits Times quoted Pope Leo XIV saying, “Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning.”
In Washington, CBC reported Trump supporters lined up to celebrate both the president and the 250th birthday, with Norma Holm from Indiana saying, “I love my president because he is following the agenda he promised us. He's closed the border.”
CBC also described how the heat reshaped plans, saying there was supposed to be a parade but it was cancelled due to the heat, while organizers cut hours back and cited the weather.
The Straits Times added that Trump saved particular ire for a “resurgence of the communist menace,” framing the anniversary amid political conflict.
What’s at stake next
The heat and security measures were only part of the pressure on the anniversary program, with Reuters saying the Freedom 250 group blocked most of the National Mall to host a large fair and that several Democratic-majority states declined to send delegations to Washington.
“Continue without accepting → Logo To support the work of our newsroom and to offer you reliable, high‑quality information every day, we and Click 'Accept' to consent or adjust your preferences”
Reuters reported that Freedom 250 said the fair aims to highlight the people and innovations that make the United States “the greatest country in the world,” while also reserving spaces for conservative groups and defense-sector companies.
In parallel, Scripps News and Talker Research polling found that while more than 7 in 10 Americans said they were very or somewhat excited for July 4, views diverged sharply on whether Trump’s involvement was appropriate.
Scripps News/Talker Research said half of registered voters judged the president’s involvement “appropriate,” while only 42% of independents and 27% of Democrats felt his participation was proper.
Reuters also said a Reuters/Ipsos poll found a majority of Americans believe the celebrations of the 250th anniversary have become too politicized, underscoring how the next phase of festivities is being contested.
