President revives election and ideological themes at National Mall celebration after weather delay
Washington: President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday with a campaign-style speech that renewed his calls for tighter voting rules, warned about the rise of “communists”, and highlighted what he described as his administration’s achievements.
After a weather-related delay of nearly two hours, Trump took to the stage on the National Mall in Washington, delivering a speech that blended patriotic themes with attacks on what he characterised as ideological threats facing the United States at home and abroad.
Trump praised major milestones in American history, including military victories, the moon landing, the Wright brothers’ pioneering flight, and the country’s system of government. He also urged Congress to pass stalled election legislation that would restrict mail-in voting and require proof of citizenship for voter registration. In addition, he claimed to have “wiped out” Iran’s military and cautioned against what he described as the growing influence of communism in the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a Fourth of July rally REUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch fireworks explode during the Freedom 250’s Salute to America as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day, attempting the largest firework display in history with 850,000 fireworks in Washington, D.C., U.S.. REUTERS
Trump warns of ‘Communist’ threat
“We like to stop a threat like that immediately and before it begins. It’s like a cancer – you’ve got to cut it out and you’ve got to cut it out fast,” Trump said.
The Republican president has previously labelled progressive Democratic candidates as “communists”, although he did not directly identify any political figures during Saturday’s remarks.
The speech reflected Trump’s tendency to blend official events with political messaging. Apart from a similar address he delivered in 2019, no US president has given a July 4 speech on the National Mall since 1951.
Heat, storms and security challenges
Visitors waited for hours to enter the event amid heightened security and record-breaking temperatures of 103°F (39°C). The heatwave forced the cancellation of several parades and outdoor activities across the Washington area.
Authorities temporarily evacuated the event site when thunderstorms approached, directing attendees to nearby museums and government buildings before allowing them to return.
Earlier in the week, Trump had said he intended to deliver “a really long speech” during the anniversary celebration. However, the address lasted less than 40 minutes, significantly shorter than many of his previous speeches.
