Trump hails 'greatest achievement' in 250th anniversary speech, attacks 'communists'

During a speech marking the United States' 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump hailed the nation as "the greatest achievement in human history." However, he also used the occasion to renew attacks on his opponents, whom he labeled "communists."

Trump asserted that under his presidency, the United States was "rising higher than ever before." While the 80-year-old Republican had promised a large political rally to solidify his image during the national holiday, he instead adhered to a more traditionally patriotic script. "Two and a half centuries ago, our American republic was born, standing as the greatest achievement in human history," Trump told tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall.

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Two and a half centuries ago, our American republic was born, standing as the greatest achievement in human history.

On stage, he also honored veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Trump described veterans of the latter two conflicts as examples of fighting "communists," a theme he also echoed Friday evening at the iconic Mount Rushmore monument. "Our soldiers fought communism on battlefields around the world not so that this threat could raise its ugly head again here in America. We will not allow it," he stated.

Attendees braved the hottest July 4th in the capital's history, with tens of thousands on the National Mall. They were instructed to leave the area hours before the president's speech due to an approaching storm. This led to chaos for many viewers rushing toward exits, with some refusing to leave or attempting to re-enter. AFP journalists on site heard shouts of "Go ahead!" and "Trump! Trump!"

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Our soldiers fought communism on battlefields around the world not so that this threat could raise its ugly head again here in America. We will not allow it.

Trump then insisted he would deliver the speech regardless. He arrived slightly after 10 p.m. local time, more than three hours later than scheduled. The White House announced his speech, initially set for 9:45 p.m., would begin at 11 p.m. "Storms bring luck to any occasion. Besides, they make events a little more interesting! We will wait, I don't care if it's 2 a.m.," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account before arriving at the National Mall. "Proud to be an American."

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Storms bring luck to any occasion. Besides, they make events a little more interesting! We will wait, I don't care if it's 2 a.m.

Trump has consistently emphasized the theme of fighting communism recently, with the November midterm elections approaching. This is particularly true after left-wing Democrats opposing the current administration won several primary elections. "It's like cancer, it needs to be cut out," he added. During his speech, the U.S. leader also took the opportunity to boast about recent military operations against Iran and Venezuela, claiming Washington had "destroyed" Tehran's military. Trump's speech was unusually short for him, lasting about 45 minutes. "We love Trump, we really liked his speech," said Richard Sullivan, 70, from Virginia, who attended with his wife Nancy and wore a "Freedom 250" t-shirt. "He reviewed our glorious history and addressed the veterans gathered here. Because of him, we are proud to be Americans."

Immediately after the speech, a massive fireworks display began.

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It's like cancer, it needs to be cut out.