SOUTH DAKOTA: US President Donald Trump on Friday launched a sharp attack on what he described as a new threat to the country’s identity, accusing domestic “radicals and extremists” on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
In a speech marked by strong patriotic rhetoric, Trump praised American exceptionalism and honoured past US leaders while addressing supporters at Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument featuring the carved faces of four former presidents.
Speaking at the base of the landmark, he said: “As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack.” He further claimed there was “a resurgence of the communist menace in our land.”
The president has repeatedly highlighted this theme in recent weeks, particularly as the anti-establishment wing of the Democratic Party has gained traction in recent US primary elections.
Trump has warned that the rise of the political left ahead of November’s midterm elections represents what he calls a growing “threat” to the country, describing his opponents as “communists on the rampage.”
In his remarks, he said: “In recent years, there’s been an undeniable attempt to change this exceptional character, to beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history.”
Although his tone stopped short of some of his more aggressive past rhetoric, Trump’s message emphasised cultural and political division.
He added: “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built.”
The setting of the speech — Mount Rushmore, where some of his supporters have suggested adding his own face alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt — added symbolic weight to the address.
Supporters of Trump have even proposed legislation seeking to include his likeness among the carved presidents, reflecting his enduring influence within the Republican Party.
Throughout the 250th anniversary celebrations, the 80-year-old president has sought to place himself at the centre of national commemorations.
On July Fourth, Trump is expected to hold a campaign-style rally on the National Mall in Washington, featuring military flyovers and what he has described as the largest fireworks display in the world.
However, critics argue that the United States remains deeply divided at a moment meant for national unity.
Trump’s approval ratings remain near historic lows, driven by concerns over the war in Iran and rising living costs. His political opponents have criticised his immigration policies, expanding wealth, and efforts to increase presidential authority.
Some of the anniversary events linked to Trump have also faced organisational challenges. A group called Freedom 250 has reportedly taken a leading role in coordinating celebrations, drawing criticism for sidelining the bipartisan America250 initiative.
A “Great American State Fair” in Washington has reportedly seen low attendance and criticism, with some describing it as poorly attended and lacking public engagement.
A severe heatwave has also discouraged participation in events, though Trump said he remained committed despite extreme temperatures.
“On July 4 it’s going to be approximately 107 degrees (41°C) out, and I’m going to go and I’m going to make a really long speech — just to show that I can do anything,” he said earlier in the week.
As the United States marks 250 years since independence — a history shaped by both triumphs and tragedies including slavery, civil war, and global conflicts — public sentiment appears mixed.
A Quinnipiac University poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe the country is not currently living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, with Republicans and Democrats sharply divided in their views.
“The Fourth of July really is a moment of freedom, but I have to be honest, in these political times, it hasn’t been as exciting to me,” said Amy Kimaara, a 49-year-old special education teacher in Los Angeles.