The United States marked the 250th anniversary of its declaration of independence with large-scale celebrations, yet the occasion arrived against a backdrop of sweeping political and social divisions raising questions about the future of democracy and American identity.
The anniversary falls during President Donald Trump's second term, which has sparked widespread controversy over his policies on immigration, the economy, and foreign affairs. His prominent role in the official anniversary events has led many to view the celebration as more political than a unifying national occasion.
The 250th Independence Day lays bare a deep contradiction between the founding principles of 1776 and present-day reality. What was once a symbol of unity and freedom has become a mirror reflecting a sharp identity crisis and an unprecedented degree of political and social polarisation that threatens the future of the social contract. Trump, speaking at Mount Rushmore on the eve of the 250th anniversary on Friday, warned of what he described as a new threat to his country's identity from 'bigots and extremists' within.
Celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the historic declaration of independence were held across the United States, even as the country contends with acute political polarisation and a punishing heatwave gripping millions of people in several states.
Speaking at the base of the famous monument bearing the carved likenesses of four of his predecessors, Trump praised what is commonly called the 'American Dream', but added: 'We see our American identity under renewed attack.'
Trump also described the United States as a nation that looks to God, saying: 'The rights we enjoy were given to us by the God who created us, and those rights will not be violated.'
The 79-year-old Trump added: 'No other country has done more good for the world than the United States.'
He stressed that English is spoken in the United States because it is the language of the founding fathers, without acknowledging that a very large number of people in the country also speak Spanish.
Referring to Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, Trump said: 'These are the men who declared freedom, wrested our liberty, saved our liberty, and guaranteed our liberty. They were men of action, men of ambition, men of daring, men of destiny, and men of great intelligence.'
Trump also declared: 'Communism is a deadly threat to American freedom,' adding: 'It is the greatest threat to our country, surpassing even World War I, World War II, the attack on Pearl Harbor, or even the events of 11 September.'
The US president has increasingly emphasised this theme in statements made in recent weeks, at a time when left-leaning figures within the Democratic Party have scored a wave of victories in primary elections, according to Agence France-Presse.
Trump's recent positions have focused on portraying the rise of the left ahead of the midterm elections expected in November as an attack by 'communists' that poses a major 'threat' to the United States.
Analysts say Trump's choice of Mount Rushmore as the venue for his address suggests he sees himself as one of the great leaders in United States history.
Trump is hosting a mass rally at the National Mall in Washington, featuring military aircraft flyovers as well as what he described as the largest fireworks display in the world.
He has increasingly used the 250th anniversary celebrations as a platform to rally political support for Republicans — and for himself.
A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 61% of Americans believe the United States does not live up to the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.
Views on this question appeared sharply divided along political lines, with Republicans tending to believe the country still embodies those principles, while most Democrats believe it does not.
Yale University historian Beverly Gage said Independence Day celebrations have taken on a more partisan character than ever before, noting that the widespread pessimism among Americans reflects the scale of the divisions gripping the country.
The 250th anniversary celebrations, organised by a group linked to Trump, drew a modest turnout.
Mocking comments spread online after photographs circulated showing the halls of an exhibition held in the capital to mark the anniversary empty of visitors.
The severe heatwave has also discouraged visitors and added to the atmosphere of controversy. Washington saw record heat during the celebrations: the Great American State Fair was closed for several hours at the peak of the heat, and an Independence Day parade through the city's streets was cancelled, as temperatures in the capital could reach 46 degrees Celsius.
Elsewhere, fireworks displays were held above Navy Pier in Chicago and against the New York City skyline, which saw a ball drop to mark the start of the holiday in scenes reminiscent of New Year's Eve.
Fighter jets and helicopters are scheduled to fly over Washington throughout the day. Air Force One is also expected to join the spectacle, flying alongside American bombers over the capital.