Trump Opens US 250th Anniversary Celebrations With Sharp Attack on ‘Communist’ Threat
United States President Donald Trump opened the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations on Friday with a strongly political speech, using the national milestone to warn of what he described as a growing “communist menace” and to renew his criticism of progressive Democrats and illegal immigration.
Speaking at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Trump praised former Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, describing them as leaders whose vision and determination shaped the United States.
Addressing supporters gathered at the national monument, he said America must protect its identity, history and founding values as it marks 250 years since declaring independence from Britain.
Departing from the traditional unifying tone often associated with national celebrations, Trump argued that communism now poses one of the greatest threats to the country.
“It’s the enemy of the Constitution… the enemy of July 4, 1776,” he said, adding that Americans must choose between loyalty to the nation and the ideology of Karl Marx.
He also linked his remarks to his administration’s hardline immigration policies, saying individuals who embrace such ideas should have no place in the country.
The speech comes just months before the November congressional midterm elections and follows recent victories by several progressive Democratic candidates in state and local primary contests.
Critics accused Trump of using the historic anniversary to advance partisan political messages and overlooking the more complex aspects of America’s history, including the legacy of slavery and the disputed history of the Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore stands.
Despite the criticism, Trump insisted the celebrations should focus on patriotism and preserving what he called America’s unique identity.
