US turns 250 amid heatwave, deep divisions; Trump warns of 'attack' on identity

America marks its 250th independence anniversary on Saturday, July 4, a milestone overshadowed by profound national divisions and a severe heatwave impacting some 160 million Americans. Planned celebrations, including parades and block parties, have been disrupted by extreme temperatures across much of the country.

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It's going to be approximately 107 degrees (41C) out, and I'm going to go and I'm going to make a really long speech - just to show that I can do anything.

President Donald Trump has seized the festive occasion to center the celebrations around himself. He is scheduled to hold a large campaign-style rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C., featuring military flyovers and what is advertised as the world's largest fireworks display. Trump stated his intention to deliver a lengthy speech despite the expected 107-degree (41C) heat, asserting his ability to endure any condition.

Earlier, at Mount Rushmore, Trump delivered remarks under the gaze of four presidential effigies, praising American exceptionalism while warning of an "attack" on the nation's identity. He identified domestic "radicals and extremists" as a threat, describing their resurgence as a "communist menace."

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the American identity was 'under a renewed attack'.

This theme has been a recurring point for Trump, particularly as the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has seen success in primary elections. He has characterized the left's rise ahead of the November midterm elections as a "communist" threat to the country. Trump has accused recent years of attempts to diminish the "American spirit" and alienate citizens from their history, though his rhetoric has been less overtly anti-immigrant than in past speeches. He emphasized that while one does not need to be born in the U.S. to be American, they must embrace the nation's achievements.

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Taking aim at domestic 'radicals and extremists', he charged that there was 'a resurgence of the communist menace in our land'.

The 250th anniversary provides a moment for reflection on America's history of triumphs and tragedies, including slavery, freedom, civil war, and world wars. Surveys indicate a deeply divided nation uncertain about its present and future direction.

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