SAD obilježava 250. obljetnicu proglašenja neovisnosti

On July 4, 2026, President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a political rally in the enclosed area of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This event concluded a week-long celebration that has drawn criticism for its divisive nature. Across the United States, Americans planned to celebrate this patriotic holiday with fireworks and parades. In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, free cookies and a six-hour pop concert were offered. Meanwhile, New York welcomed sailboats from around the world. In the capital city, Trump would be the central figure of the celebrations.

Trump referred to his evening speech among many notable monuments as "the most spectacular Trump rally ever," accompanied by military flyovers and a lavish fireworks display. The annual Fourth of July celebration in Washington usually attracts thousands of visitors. However, attendees this year faced heightened security measures, potential storms, and temperatures that could rise up to 38 degrees Celsius. Among the groups arriving in Washington on Saturday was the nationalist organization Patriot Front. The group posted on social media that they had arrived in the capital, and Reuters photographers saw hundreds of people dressed in Patriot Front attire traveling by metro to D.C.

Approximately 400 white nationalist members of the Patriot Front marched in D.C. today with Confederate flags and other symbols. A streamer associated with the group described it as a “total Aryan victory.”

The Patriot Front, founded in 2017, is known for its aesthetic and meticulously organized surprise demonstrations. Previous presidents have kept their distance from such events, but Trump blurred the line between official celebrations and campaign-style politics. A nonpartisan body established in 2016 to organize the 250th anniversary largely ignored the group Freedom 250, which secured a larger portion of the 2.4-kilometer-long National Mall, a complex of green spaces in the heart of Washington, for "The Great American State Fair." Attractions included a panoramic wheel and exhibition space for conservative groups and defense sector companies.

Several predominantly Democratic states refused to send representatives, and many performers who were scheduled to appear withdrew, citing concerns about the event being partisan. Thousands attended Trump’s initial rally, but attendance subsequently remained modest. Other events organized by the Freedom 250 group included a religious gathering featuring mainly conservative Christian speakers and several sporting events, including mixed martial arts on the lawn of the White House for Trump's 80th birthday. An IndyCar race was scheduled for August in Washington.

The Freedom 250 organization also sponsored "Freedom Trucks," which critics argue portray a highly religious version of American history while ignoring issues such as slavery and racial injustice. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that a majority of Americans, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans, believe the events commemorating the 250th anniversary have become overly politicized.

In preparation for the 250th anniversary, Trump attempted to transform large areas of the capital, with mixed results. Many fountains and monuments were renovated, but the highly praised restoration of the Reflecting Pool, costing $15 million, was marred by problems. Today, security cameras and soldiers monitor peeling paint and algae-covered water.

The celebration of America’s 250th anniversary took place against the backdrop of political divisions, global tensions, and an extreme heatwave affecting the East Coast and disrupting parts of the celebration plans. In Keystone, South Dakota, one of the most recognizable symbols of America—the monumental sculpture carved into the granite rock of Mount Rushmore—stood as a testament to the nation’s legacy. The monument depicts the heads of four U.S. Presidents, each chosen to represent significant periods in American history.