U.S. Marks 250th Anniversary of Independence with Trump Speech and Record-Breaking Fireworks

The United States marked its 250th anniversary of independence and nationhood on July 4, local time.

This day marks exactly 250 years since representatives of the 13 British colonies in North America adopted the Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

While the U.S. legally achieved independence from Britain on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the country has traditionally celebrated Independence Day based on the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, signed by 56 of the so-called Founding Fathers, about seven years earlier.

The Declaration of Independence embodied the founding ideals of the U.S., rejecting the monarchy of King George III—who led Britain, the hegemonic power of the time—and asserting that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It further stated that governments are instituted to secure these rights, and that their just powers are derived from the consent of the governed.

Historians assess that the Declaration of Independence, with its principles that government power stems from the consent of the governed and that all citizens possess unalienable rights, has had a profound impact on democracy not only in the U.S. but across the globe.

However, some observers suggest that as the U.S. moves past the period of being the sole superpower following the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, the ideals contained in the Declaration are facing challenges on their 250th anniversary. These challenges are attributed to attempts by authoritarian nations, including China and Russia, to reshape the international order, as well as the unilateral approach of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly tested the limits of presidential power and sparked significant controversy both within and outside the U.S.


A 250th-anniversary celebration titled "Tribute to America" is being held today at the National Mall, the lawn connecting the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

The event will feature a flyover by U.S. Air Force aircraft, an air show, and performances by large-scale military bands and honor guards, followed by President Trump's keynote address starting at 9:45 p.m.

President Trump, who has labeled this event a "Trump Rally," is expected to use his speech to emphasize the political, economic, and military achievements the U.S. has made leading up to its 250th anniversary, while also asserting that his administration has made America great again.

Public opinion remains negative or contentious regarding issues such as the Iran war—often viewed as having more costs than benefits, given that it allowed Iran to weaponize the Strait of Hormuz—the reciprocal tariffs that were blocked by the Supreme Court, and the weakening of alliance networks centered on NATO.

Nevertheless, President Trump is expected to focus his speech on projecting the image that he is the leader who will carry on the "spirit" of America during this 250th birthday, which falls within his term.


Attention is focused on whether he will launch an ideological offensive against the "anti-Trump" camp, led by the opposition Democratic Party, just as he emphasized his opposition to communism during his speech yesterday at Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four former U.S. presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, are carved.

Immediately following President Trump's speech, between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., a "record-breaking fireworks display" will take place.

The organizers plan to set off 850,000 fireworks over approximately 40 minutes, aiming to break a Guinness World Record. The festive atmosphere is expected to reach its peak as midnight approaches.

A variable is the intense heat wave currently striking the eastern U.S.

The Washington, D.C. Independence Day parade, which was scheduled to take place this morning, was canceled due to the extreme heat.

Although this is a significant national holiday, a relatively cold atmosphere toward the event is being detected among the "anti-Trump" camp.

The political division in the U.S. has been highlighted by the fact that several states with strong Democratic leanings or Democratic governors—including Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Vermont—have reportedly not participated in the "Great American Expo" being held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a speech delivered on the deck of a naval vessel docked in New York City today, "You will hear today from a small but loud group of people who insist on talking only about our country's flaws, not its greatness."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.