America 250 celebration: Trump mixes patriotism with politics

US president praises nation’s legacy before warning of communism as independence anniversary highlights deep political divisions

The identity of a nation is the destiny of a nation and America has a destiny like no other because we are a people like no other.

Americans did not bow before a king or a government, but kneeled only before Almighty God. These were the people who founded our republic. These were the patriots who fought for independence.

Donald Trump, POTUS

Washington: US President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of Ameri­can independence with a spe­ech celebrating the country’s exceptionalism before shifting to a sharply political warning against communism, underscoring the deep divisions that continue to shape the nation.

At Mount Rushmore, Trump described communism as a “mortal threat to American liberty” and claimed it posed a greater danger than WWI, WWII, Pearl Harbor or the Sept 11 attacks. The remarks echoed themes from his recent campaign speeches but stood in contrast to the traditionally unifying tone adopted by past presidents during Indepen­den­ce Day commemorations.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, offered a contrasting message, describing the US as a nation striving to fulfil its founding ideals. Without naming Trump, he said those ideals could withstand authoritarianism if Americans continued to uphold them.

Heatwave impact

Over 165 million people across the US East Coast and Midwest were under extreme heat alerts on Friday, disrupting Independence Day celebrations. Philadelphia and Washington cancelled major parades, while the Great American State Fair in Washington was temporarily closed after 11 people were taken to hospital and several others were treated for heat-related illnesses.

Clemency spree

Trump pardoned 11 people, including former lobbyist associate Adam Kidan and nine individuals convicted of bypassing vehicle emissions controls. White House said the move eased regulatory burd­ens, while critics viewed it as presidential clemency.