The United States marked the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday with nationwide celebrations, fireworks and cultural events, although the historic occasion unfolded amid an intense heatwave affecting millions and continued political divisions across the country.
The anniversary commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a defining moment in American history that established the nation's break from British rule.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to address crowds on the National Mall in Washington before what organisers have described as one of the largest fireworks displays ever staged over the US capital. On Friday, Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, warning that communism posed a "mortal threat to American liberty".
Across the country, major celebrations were planned, including fireworks over Chicago's Navy Pier and New York City's skyline. Bristol, Rhode Island, home to America's oldest continuous Independence Day celebrations dating back to 1785, also marked the milestone. In Los Angeles, Queen Latifah was due to host a concert featuring The Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Stapleton and special guest Chaka Khan.
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However, extreme temperatures disrupted several events, particularly along the East Coast. In Washington, the Great American State Fair closed for several hours on Friday because of dangerous heat, while the city's Independence Day parade was cancelled. Temperatures in some areas climbed into triple digits, while the Pacific Northwest enjoyed cooler weather and light showers.
The holiday coincides with a busy sporting and entertainment calendar. Major League Baseball scheduled more than a dozen games, while FIFA World Cup matches were set to be played in Houston and Philadelphia. The weekend also generated interest in entertainment circles following reports surrounding Taylor Swift and the release of Madonna's latest studio album.
The celebrations also highlighted the country's deep political and cultural divisions over issues including immigration, race and governance. Without naming Trump, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said American democratic ideals could withstand authoritarianism if citizens continued to uphold them.
Many Americans, however, emphasised unity over politics. Joe Fuqua-Bejarano, who was selling fireworks in Topeka, Kansas, said the country needed to "find unity somewhere", while Washington resident Jerry Chin said he planned to spend the holiday quietly with his wife and dogs despite concerns about the country's future.
Trump describes US as world's 'greatest humanitarian power'
President Donald Trump described the United States as the world's greatest humanitarian force, saying no other nation had matched America's record of charitable giving, fighting hunger, curing diseases and uplifting humanity. "No one has ever given more to charity, ended more hunger, cured more disease, or done more to uplift humanity than Americans, and no country ever will," he said, portraying American generosity as central to the country's global legacy.
Trump also said the United States was entering a new "Golden Age", asserting that Americans valued self-reliance, admired success rather than envied it, and remained committed to helping neighbours in need. He said the nation's enduring strength rested on its commitment to freedom, including free speech, religious liberty and the right to bear arms, calling these principles the foundation of the American identity.
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