Trump launches US 250th anniversary with warning of 'new offensive' against American identity
Speaking at Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day, President Trump said American identity faces a 'new offensive' from radicals and extremists, and a 'resurgence of the communist threat'.
Mount Rushmore address
President Donald Trump opened the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States with a speech at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Friday, July 3. Standing before the granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, he praised the 'miracle' of America and warned of what he called a 'new offensive' against the country's identity.
As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity facing a new offensive. There is a resurgence of the communist threat on our soil.
The White House had previewed the address as 'optimistic' and 'inspiring', according to NBC News. Trump described July 4 as 'one of the most extraordinary days in the history of the world'.
Political backdrop
The speech comes ahead of crucial midterm elections in November, with Republicans concerned that the president's unpopularity could cost them control of Congress. Trump has repeatedly used similar rhetoric in recent weeks, casting himself as a defender of American heritage.
You don't have to be born here, but you must love what we've built.
He also told supporters: 'We will fight, fight, fight, and we will win, win, win,' according to USA Today. The location was symbolic for a president who has, over nine years, flirted with the idea of adding his own face to the monument, though geotechnical studies by the National Park Service concluded any addition would threaten the structure's integrity.
July 4 plans
On Saturday, the Independence Day holiday, Trump is scheduled to hold a campaign-style rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., followed by what he says will be the largest fireworks display in the world, with 850,000 shells. He joked on Wednesday about delivering a long speech despite the heat.
It's going to be about 107°F and I'm going to give a really long speech - just to show I can do anything.
Heatwave disruptions
A suffocating heatwave across the eastern United States has forced changes to the anniversary events. In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, extreme temperatures led organizers to cancel a parade planned for Friday, which was expected to be one of the largest in the city's history. Some Washington suburbs also canceled or postponed fireworks displays. Temperatures in the capital are forecast to reach 38°C on Saturday.
- Trump delivers speech at Mount Rushmore, warning of 'new offensive' against American identity.
- Philadelphia Independence Day parade canceled due to extreme heat.
- Trump to hold rally and fireworks display on National Mall, Washington, D.C.
- Some Washington suburbs cancel or postpone fireworks due to heat.
