U.S. President Donald Trump marks the country's 250th anniversary on Saturday with a political rally on a fenced-off National Mall in Washington, capping a weeks-long celebration that has been widely criticized as divisive.
Across the U.S., Americans plan to celebrate the patriotic holiday with fireworks and parades. Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence from Britain was signed on July 4, 1776, will offer free cupcakes and a six-hour pop-music concert, while New York will feature tall ships from around the world.
In the nation's capital, Trump will place himself at the center of the celebration.
The president has billed his evening appearance among the city's iconic monuments as "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all," accompanied by military flyovers and a super-sized fireworks display.
Washington's annual July 4 celebration typically draws hundreds of thousands of people. Visitors this year must contend with stepped-up security, possible thunderstorms and temperatures that could top 100F (38C).
Groups coming to Washington on Saturday included the white nationalist organization Patriot Front. The group posted on social media that it had arrived in the capital, and Reuters photographers saw hundreds of people dressed in Patriot Front outfits traveling on D.C. metro trains.
The organization, founded in 2017, is known for its aesthetics and heavily organized flash-mob style demonstrations.
Past U.S. presidents have steered clear of the celebration, but Trump has blurred the line between official commemoration and campaign-style politics.
A nonpartisan body set up in 2016 to handle the 250th anniversary has been largely sidelined by the Trump administration's Freedom 250 group, which has fenced off much of the 1.5-mile National Mall for a "Great American State Fair" featuring attractions such as a Ferris wheel alongside displays by conservative groups and defense contractors.
Several Democratic-led states declined to send delegations, and many performers who had been scheduled to appear dropped out, citing concerns about partisanship. Thousands were on hand for Trump's kickoff rally on June 24 but since then crowd sizes at the event have sometimes been modest.
Other activities with Freedom 250 branding include a faith rally featuring mostly conservative Christian speakers, and multiple sports events, including a card of mixed martial arts bouts on the White House grounds for Trump's 80th birthday. An IndyCar race in Washington is scheduled for August.
The Freedom 250 organization also sponsored "Freedom Trucks" that critics say paint an overly religious version of American history and gloss over issues such as slavery and racial injustice.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a majority of Americans, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans, think the events celebrating the country's 250th anniversary have grown too political.
Trump has sought to remake wide swaths of the capital city ahead of the 250th celebration, with mixed results. Many fountains and statues have been renovated, but problems have beset a much-touted $15 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool and security cameras and soldiers now stand watch over its peeling paint and algae-fouled waters.
© Thomson Reuters 2026.
37 Comments
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patkim
It would be honorable if Trump were to deliver a message that didn't side with one political side over the other, didn't try to further divide the nation, and didn't include any personal attacks on one group of people, but that would be considered a pipe dream. It would take class, humility, and empathy to deliver a message that would inspire hope, love, and peace, but unfortunately, Trump has proven to not have one cell of decency in his bloated body.
Tamarama
At it's 250 Year mark, the US has a lot to think about.
It's still a very young nation that has risen to become a world power very rapidly, but it's internal politics and social structures are increasingly looking very brittle. It's polarised and divided and Americans appear to be anxious, narcissistic and semi-dysfunctional.
Externally, they are not popular, not well regarded, and their increasingly aggressive military and diplomatic stances as they pursue a hegemonic agenda are deepening that global perception of them.
And then you have the most corrupt narcissist in their history running the show, engorged on his own power, privilege and self-importance.
There's not a lot to admire, right now.
ThePunisher
Algae fouled waters watched over by heavily armed military. Symbolic of the rest of that foul nation.
They have nothing to celebrate, even more so with a criminal in charge.
wallace
Trump said the US is the oldest Republic, but that belongs to San Marino, with its foundation traced back to 301 AD. He also said the greatest danger to the country is communism.
Bob Fosse
“which has fenced off much of the 1.5-mile National Mall for a "Great American State Fair"
1.5 miles was a little ambitious. 100 meters would have still looked empty.
bass4funk
The only people who are complaining and when you look are liberals, Florida is hot as hell right now, but the majority of people here are having a great time food, family and no complaints, whatever they do or however they celebrate in Blue states, that's on them. Because it doesn't matter what this guy does, the left would find something to complain about, so at this point, it's all just noise.
He did exactly that
Naw, the left are just not happy because he warned of the dangers of radicalism from the lefts growing embracement socialist ideologies and warning our adversaries. But the left will do what they do and the rest of us will continue to celebrate. Glad to be alive for this and feel deeply humbled. This is for everyone and if the left can't even try to come together with the rest of us, that's on them. I wish they love the country as much as they dislike this President. Can't wait until the evening.
Happy birthday, America, best nation on the planet, you deserve it.
WoodyLee
Happy Birthday America.
geronimo2006
The US certainly has a lot to reflect on as it descends into an authoritarian oligarchy run by a narcissistic moron.
wallace
The crowds on the National Mall are being evacuated to safe areas due to extreme weather. The events are postponed.
KnightsOfCydonia
you can tell when he stops reading from the teleprompt, it goes from we to me.
bass4funk
The Great American State Fair was temporarily closed and reopened at 5 p.m., and some activities were pushed back to reduce heat exposure.
wallace
Crowds ordered to evacuate the National Mall area as stormy weather slams DC
7:10 pm
The National Weather Service previously announced a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in the District. Officials are asking attendees to seek shelter.
https://wjla.com/news/local/crowds-ordered-to-evacuate-national-mall-area-as-stormy-weather-slams-dc-america-250-july-4-july-2026
bass4funk
Other DC-area fireworks displays: Many local jurisdictions (e.g., suburbs in MD/VA) have shows that may still proceed
Scenic/viewing spots away from the Mall crowds: Washingtonian and other guides recommend places like:
Rooftops, parks, or higher ground in neighborhoods with clear views (e.g., parts of Arlington or Capitol Hill if accessible).
Riverfront areas or farther-out parks for reduced crowds.
Smaller/local events: Community gatherings, concerts, or family events in surrounding areas (Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park, Ocean City for a bigger beach vibe, or other DMV spots). Some parades were canceled, but smaller celebrations continue.
Ah_so
It will be a great opportunity for white racists to get together and express their hate for those who believe in democracy.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Nothing ranked choice voting and ending the electoral college wouldnt' fix.
Unpopular to you. You don't represent the world.
wallace
How has the United States of America lived up to the ideals of the Founding Fathers?
TaiwanIsNotChina
Yeah, nobody considers that to be a birthplace of democracy. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy has a stronger claim and that one ain't too good either.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Creaking but not dead. Nothing Trump has done can't be reversed overnight.
wallace
San Marino is a parliamentary democratic republic. It is one of the oldest sovereign states and constitutional republics in the world.
wallace
The birthplace of democracy is Athens, Greece, around 508–507 BCE.
wallace
The National Mall is empty of people who have passed through the security gates. Sad for those visitors who came from out-of-town places.
Will the fireworks display still happen?
Trump will still claim his speech had the biggest crowds ever.
bass4funk
Easy, those guys lit the spark with ideas of liberty, equality (however imperfectly applied at first), self-government, and the chance to chase your own happiness without a boot on your neck. We’ve carried that flame forward, stumbling at times but expanding it in ways that created this massive engine of opportunity. And right now, in 2026, it’s still burning bright.
We’ve built the longest-running constitutional republic, expanded rights through blood, sweat, and movements ending slavery, women’s vote, civil rights breakthroughs, so more people than ever get a real shot at that “created equal” promise. We innovated our way to the world’s biggest economy, beat back tyrants in world wars, and kept pushing for freer societies globally. Rule of law, free speech, checks and balances? Sent man to the moon. Given so much to the nation and with grit innovation and determination. This nation’s lived up to the ideals by never quitting the pursuit of that “more perfect union.” It’s not handed to you on a plate, that’s the point. The Founders gave us the arena. In 2026, it’s wide open with tech exploding, energy flowing, and room for builders. If you’ve got drive, skills, or just heart, this is still the place where ordinary people do extraordinary things. Feels like the best chapters might still be ahead. This is only the beginning. So yes, it's given us a lot.
aaronagstring
American Exceptionalism at its finest.
wallace
There are many tens of millions who are not living the "American Dream".
R B Quinn
The Insurrectionist-in-Chief is afflicted by NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) and the damage he has done to the United States of America is beyond comprehension.
It will take decades, if ever, to reestablish trust throughout the world.
TaiwanIsNotChina
How about getting the boot of ICE out of our polling places then?
Not anymore. Just flat out ignoring any country that doesn't pay bribes under the Trump.
HopeSpringsEternal
Trump's making America Great Again by helping private sector to invest, via great Govt. Policies vs. more horrible Govt. deficit spending. America also has record energy production. Trump always says you can't Make America Great Again without greatly reducing the Federal Govt.
Crime also dropping historically, as US GPD per Capita now 2x the EU. Happy USA 250th because America's no longer in DECLINE but rather ASSCENDNCY
aaronagstring
You are sooo right. Emphasis on the first three letters of the last word.
TaiwanIsNotChina
That's because he is an idiot.
sakurasuki
Even mother earth give thumbs down
HopeSpringsEternal
Secret sauce to American Exceptionalism is less Govt. Regulation and Influence = why risk-takers are willing to create the greatest tech. companies in the World
US Economy and Financial Markets dominate the World because Trump's Policies super-charged private sector, especially lower taxes, regulations, trade/tariff policy with major ongoing US Govt., Headcount reductions.
Happy 250th America, as thanks to Trump, Less Govt. = More Freedom = More Greatness!
aaronagstring
“(JS)
But his negotiating skills aren't the real danger to this country. What's going to [ __ ] us up is his obsession with the concept of the leverage that he has.
(Trump)
[We have all the leverage if you know what you're doing.]
[We do have leverage cuz we're the pot of gold.]
[Using my leverage and it's a tremendous leverage, and I used it before very well.]
(JS)You don't have the leverage!
That's the key misunderstanding here. Trump is so arrogant. He thinks the leverage is his. It's ours. ‘We the people.’
It's not your leverage. Why would you even think it is?
It took the people 250 years of striving to live up to a constitutional republic and rule of law. Painstaking equity that you are squandering. That is the crux of American exceptionalism. You just want to make us great. That's a downgrade. Our brand is not strategic uncertainty. And you are not the keeper of our pot of gold. You are a temporary leprechaun…..and the more enamored, President Trump, you are with your authoritarian whims, the more that you turn our Shining City on a Hill into just another ordinary, despot-led, sea-level [ __ ] hole. So, if I could just put this if I could just put this in negotiating terms you can understand. All caps, Donald, STOP!”
Jon Stewart. The Daily Show
MontiePieThong
The USA has very little to celebrate unless you think its genocide of Native Americans was justified, that its cruel enslavement of Africans, followed by continued campaigns of discrimination, illegal wars, crimes against humanity, piracy on the high seas, the ongoing persecution of minorities, and economic attacks on even its most loyal allies are all good things.
Don’t forget the pardoning of some of the worst criminals in US history by the worst President, Trump. Nor should we ignore the looming stock market crash, which is all but certain if Trump wins the midterms.
The economic outlook is not good for a country that refuses to take care of its sick and disabled, where every right-wing fanatical Republican raises the spectre of communism whenever the state taking care of people in need is mentioned.
Many people have been murdered because Trump refused to support stronger gun laws. Thousands more died because of what many regard as his lacklustre response to COVID-19.
If you believe these are all good things or that they never happened, then you are probably a brainwashed, rusted-on Trump supporter.
plasticmonkey
MAGA folk are fine with that. Because it's a cult.
TaiwanIsNotChina
I sense some hypocrisy here. Just a suspicion.
bass4funk
Always a patriot, I bleed red, white, and blue
Hey, 5% of liberals, but I’m not one. I’m a family man, no need to add to the crowds of the big cities when I can enjoy the countryside.
bass4funk
Wrong! The U.S. has a lot to celebrate, from Lincoln freeing the slaves, to the creation of the NRA to protect newly freed slaves, help saving and dying for Europe in WWII, dying for rights of Blacks to vote, women’s and workers rights. High tech and innovation from the telegraph to the sewing machine, Anesthesia, telephone and airplane, the PC, GPS and on and on…
No one is saying or claiming that America is perfect, but without a doubt it has been more of a force for good overall as a nation and the world overall.