President Donald Trump speaks during the “Salute to America” Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2026. The nation is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. (Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump declared Saturday that the United States stands as “the crowning achievement of human history” during his speech celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall.
“This country is the home of freedom,” Trump said.
Trump argued the nation is stronger than ever.
“We’re doing better now than we’ve ever done before,” he said. “No people have done more good, showed more courage, made more progress, righted more injustice or achieved more greatness than you, the American people.”
“For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world,” Trump said.
“Nobody can be like us. And with God’s help, we will always be this or even better.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
6 hours ago
President Donald Trump again took aim at communism during his speech on the National Mall Saturday evening, declaring that America “will never be a communist country.”
“Communism is a loser, and it always will be,” Trump said during his address celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
“The communist system is the opposite of the American system, and the communist system has never worked,” he continued.
Trump argued communism runs counter to the ideals Americans have defended throughout the nation’s history.
“Our warriors did not fight communism on battlefields across the world only to have that menace rear its ugly head right back here in America,” he said.
“We’re not going to let it happen,” Trump continued. “We like to stop a threat like that immediately and before it begins.”
Trump also compared communism to “a cancer” that must be cut out.
The comments echoed remarks Trump made Friday during his speech at Mount Rushmore, where he described communism as “the greatest threat” facing the United States.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
6 hours ago
World War II veterans watch America’s 250th anniversary fireworks from DC memorial
As Washington, D.C., capped its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, a group of veterans watched the historic fireworks display from the National World War II Memorial.
The World War II veterans looked on as the record-breaking fireworks show illuminated the night sky over the nation’s capital.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
7 hours ago
Trump pays tribute to Gold Star families in patriotic July 4 address
President Donald Trump recognized 11 Gold Star families during his July Fourth address celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump honored 11 Gold Star families during his “Salute to America” speech Saturday night, paying tribute to the relatives of U.S. service members who died in military service.
Gold Star families are the surviving relatives of military personnel who died while serving the United States.
“As we celebrate America’s unmatched achievements and unlimited potential, we never forget that none of this would have been possible without those who gave everything so that we could reach this 250th year of freedom,” Trump said during his remarks on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Trump also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Gold Star families.
“The Gold Star family,” Trump said. “That is one of the great tributes. It’s one of the great honors — a tough honor. There’s nothing tougher than that. But these are amazing people.”
“And that special person is looking down at mom and dad, husband, wife,” Trump added. “They’re looking down with great pride. You know that.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
7 hours ago
Trump honors Artemis II astronauts, Apollo moonwalker during America 250 celebration
Artemis II crew members and Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt join U.S. President Donald Trump on stage during a Fourth of July rally. (REUTERS/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump recognized the Artemis II crew and an Apollo astronaut during his speech celebrating America’s 250th anniversary Saturday night.
Trump honored the Artemis II astronauts — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — following their 10-day lunar mission in April, which included orbiting the moon.
Trump also honored Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, who walked on the moon during NASA’s final Apollo mission in 1972.
The astronauts stood beside a flag that flew aboard an aircraft operated by the Wright brothers, who pioneered the world’s first successful powered flight.
Trump also presented the crew with a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol on Saturday morning, saying it would accompany a future NASA mission to the moon.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
7 hours ago
America’s 250th anniversary party ends with record-breaking fireworks display
Spectators on the National Mall watch fireworks bursting in the skies during “Salute to America 250” Fourth of July celebrations beginning on July 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Following President Donald Trump’s speech on the National Mall, a record-breaking fireworks display lit up the skies over Washington, D.C., capping the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The nearly 40-minute show featured 851,000 individual fireworks launched over the nation’s capital, breaking the Guinness World Record for largest fireworks display.
A person watches a fireworks display that is attempting the largest firework display in history with 850,000 fireworks, at a Fourth of July rally marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 5, 2026. (REUTERS/Evan Vucci)
The soundtrack to the show included hits spanning several decades, which were all performed by a handful of American service members. Songs included Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” Prince and the Revolution’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
8 hours ago
Trump recognizes 107-year-old World War II veteran in patriotic address
107-year-old WWII veteran Harry F. Rose (R) waves as US President Donald Trump (unseen) speaks during the “Salute to America” Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2026. (Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump honored military veterans during his speech celebrating America’s 250th anniversary Saturday, including 107-year-old World War II veteran Lt. Arthur Rose, who the president said commanded 36 landing craft during the D-Day invasion.
Trump invited Rose to the stage and praised his service during what he described as the largest naval armada in history.
“At 107 years old, Lieutenant Rose is here to salute one of our nation’s most prized possessions — the flag that flew aboard the first landing craft on D-Day and led the first Americans onto the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi fascism forever,” Trump said.
Trump called Rose “an inspiration.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
8 hours ago
Trump says spirit of 1776 lives on during 250th anniversary address
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (REUTERS/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump declared during his “Salute to America” address Saturday that the spirit of 1776 remains alive as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
“As we can see here tonight, after 250 years, the spirit of 1776 still lives within us all,” Trump told the crowd gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“It still roars in the heart of our nation’s capital,” Trump continued. “It still burns in the heart of every patriot, thunders through every city and town, and still lights the entire world with the glow of American liberty.”
Trump said the nation’s 250th anniversary marked the beginning of what he called America’s “golden age.”
“This is only the dawn of the golden age of America,” he said. “On this 250th Fourth of July, we declare, just as they did two and a half centuries ago, that for our country and for our children and for the cause of liberty, we are going to take our country to new levels, to levels not reached.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
10 hours ago
Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge during NYC Fourth of July fireworks show
Smoke billows from the fire caused by the fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge, as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day, in New York City, U.S., July 4, 2026. (REUTERS/Angelina Katsanis)
A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge during the America250 fireworks show Saturday night, prompting a response from the New York City Fire Department.
The FDNY said it responded around 9:40 p.m. to a reported “rubbish fire” on the Manhattan-bound side of the bridge.
“Fires like these are not unexpected and that is why we have the standoff distance during a fireworks show,” the department said in a statement.
The FDNY said two engine companies were dispatched to extinguish the fire.
No injuries were immediately reported.
Macy’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show began shortly after 9 p.m., with fireworks launched from barges on the East River and near the Brooklyn Bridge.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
10 hours ago
‘I’M HERE!!!’: Trump arrives after storms delay 250th anniversary celebration
President Donald Trump consults with staff before speaking at the “Salute to America 250” Fourth of July celebrations on the National Mall on July 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump appeared poised to deliver a speech on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday night after severe thunderstorms delayed the evening’s patriotic festivities.
“I’M HERE!!!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Earlier Saturday, Trump vowed the storms would not derail the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, promising to deliver his speech “no matter what.”
Thousands of people began returning to the National Mall around 10 p.m. after severe weather prompted organizers to temporarily evacuate the Salute to America celebration.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
10 hours ago
Video shows thousands flooding back to National Mall after storm delay halts DC Fourth of July event
Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin shared a video just before 10 pm. local time of thousands of people in a line at the National Mall to reenter July Fourth celebrations following a temporary storm delay that cleared out the area hours prior.
Severe weather in Washington, D.C., forced a temporary evacuation of the “Salute to America” event, though organizers later said the show would go on rain or shine.
President Donald Trump is slated to make a speech at 11 p.m. His motorcade was recently spotted heading to the event.
“It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Who cares???”
Posted by Alexandra Koch
11 hours ago
Trump moves forward with Freedom 250 after storms, remarks set for 11 pm ET
Freedom 250 organizers announced at 9:10 p.m. local time Saturday that President Donald Trump directed gates at the National Mall to reopen at 9:45 p.m., following a brief storm delay.
Officials said the nation’s 250th birthday celebration will proceed “rain or shine,” with Trump scheduled to deliver remarks at 11 p.m. ET.
A record-setting fireworks show will immediately follow the speech.
“For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination,” organizers wrote in a statement. “A little rain will never diminish our pride, our patriotism, or our celebration of the greatest nation in the history of the world.”
The U.S. Secret Service said a screening area, which will be mandatory for all prior evacuees, will reopen shortly.
“The Secret Service is working to make screening as smooth as possible,” the agency wrote in a statement.
Bag restrictions and the prohibited items list will remain the same.
Posted by Alexandra Koch
11 hours ago
Video shows hundreds singing National Anthem in unison during DC storm delay
Hundreds of people gathered inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture building after a severe storm rolled through the nation’s capital during Fourth of July celebrations, prompting event postponements.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins later shared a video on X showing the crowd coming together to sing the national anthem in perfect harmony.
“Unfortunately, the weather may have disrupted parts of the @Freedom250celebration, but we were grateful to open the beautiful @USDAbuilding to provide shelter,” Rollins wrote in the post. “And then this happened.”
“These incredible patriots spontaneously broke into the National Anthem,” she continued. “I love my country.”
Posted by Alexandra Koch
11 hours ago
Trump vows July 4 celebration will go on despite DC storms: ‘I’m leaving the White House soon’
“Exit This Way” signage was seen as attendees evacuated due to incoming storms ahead of the “Salute to America” event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Pete Kiehart/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump announced he will not let stormy weather stop a historic 250th celebration, promising to wait out the rain “no matter what” to deliver his scheduled late-night speech.
Trump said storms “bring luck” and make events “a little bit more exciting,” noting he will wait until 2 a.m. for the weather to clear, if necessary.
“It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight,” Trump said, brushing off the suggested 11 p.m. speech start time.
“Who cares???” he continued. “Remember two weeks ago when the big UFC Event was at 100% chance of heavy rain, all week long, and just minutes before the card started. Well, there wasn’t a single drop, and the fights turned out to be among the greatest in history, an event for the ages.
“Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th. I’m leaving the White House soon. God Bless America!”
Posted by Alexandra Koch
