Trump warns of "communist menace" in July 4th speech at Mount Rushmore

President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic address at Mount Rushmore, where he decried a resurgence of the "communist menace" he believes is attacking American culture and history.

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There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success.

Speaking against the backdrop of the granite visages of four former presidents, Trump asserted that "radicals" and "extremists" are undermining the nation's heritage. "There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success," he stated. He drew a stark dichotomy, declaring, "You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both."

Trump emphasized that while birthplace is not the defining factor of patriotism, love for the country and its achievements is paramount. "You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built, you must love our country," he told the South Dakota audience.

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You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both.

Beyond his warnings about communism, the president outlined a path for Republican success in the upcoming midterm elections. He called for abolishing the filibuster and enacting the SAVE America Act. This act would mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and require valid photo identification at polling stations.

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You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built, you must love our country.

Reflecting on American identity as the nation approached its 250th year, Trump declared, "There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people." He celebrated core American values, including freedom of speech, independence, the right to worship, and the right to keep and bear arms.

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As we march into our 250th year, incredible, beautiful year it will be, we must never forget: There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people.