Washington (United States) (AFP) – The United States commemorates its 250th anniversary this weekend, a milestone coinciding with heightened national divisions and a presidential focus on leveraging the occasion for political visibility.
Issued on: 04/07/2026 – 08:10Modified: 04/07/2026 – 08:57
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A sweltering heatwave affecting approximately 160 million Americans has disrupted outdoor celebrations nationwide, yet President Donald Trump remains undeterred in his plans to host a large-scale rally on the National Mall, featuring military flyovers and a fireworks display he has described as record-breaking.
Speaking ahead of the event, Trump emphasized his resolve to deliver a lengthy address despite extreme temperatures, stating, “I will show that I can do anything.”
The president’s pre-anniversary visit to Mount Rushmore, where he addressed supporters beneath the carved figures of four former presidents, underscored his emphasis on aligning himself with historical leadership.
Warnings of Identity Threats
During his Mount Rushmore address, Trump framed American identity as under siege, criticizing “radicals and extremists” for what he characterized as a “resurgence of the communist menace in our land.” This rhetoric reflects his ongoing efforts to frame progressive political movements as existential threats ahead of midterm elections.
The president has increasingly portrayed the Democratic Party’s left-wing primary successes as harbingers of radical ideology. While his remarks lacked the explicitly inflammatory tone of past speeches, Trump emphasized cultural assimilation, stating, “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built.”
Trump’s supporters have proposed legislation to add his likeness to Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, further emphasizing his desire to associate with historical legacy.
Reflection Amid Division
The 250th anniversary prompts a mix of celebration and introspection across the nation. After centuries marked by both progress and conflict—including slavery, civil war, and global warfare—public sentiment remains fractured over the country’s trajectory.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll found 61% of Americans believe the nation has failed to meet the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence, though partisan divides persist: majorities of Republicans express optimism, while most Democrats voice concern.
“There’s too many people that hate on each other, steal from each other,” said Los Angeles-based artist Johnny Presley. “I’m sick of the way this country treats people. I’m sick of the way this country treats its foreign neighbours.”
Others, such as Atlanta educator Karisa Tavassoli, emphasize enduring freedoms despite systemic flaws. “I have safety, I have freedom of speech, I have freedom of religion,” she said. “There are many flaws here, but we have something very special that’s worthy of protecting.”
Alonzo Coby, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, acknowledged the anniversary while highlighting Indigenous perspectives. “Native Americans have been here a lot longer than 250 years,” he noted, calling for recognition of the continent’s deeper history.
