US marks its 250th Independence amid storm, heatwave & fireworks

The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday with parades, fireworks, and patriotic events across the country, while political polarization and an intense heatwave affecting much of the East Coast shaped this year's historic Fourth of July. The main event in Washington DC resumed after a brief weather-related interruption, with President Donald Trump addressed thousands gathered at the National Mall. In his address, President Trump paid tribute to American veterans and described the anniversary as a landmark in the nation’s history. He said the United States would continue to strengthen its military, economy and technological capabilities, and reaffirmed the country’s ambitions in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and Mars. The celebrations featured military fly-pasts, historical displays and a fireworks show over the National Mall.

HE FREAKING DID IT! President Trump just wrapped up one of the greatest Presidential speeches in HISTORY, marking our 250th birthday

"After 250 years, the spirit of 1776 still lives within us all. It still ROARS in the hearts of our nation's capital.

It still burns in the… pic.twitter.com/SSuhMnPtwa

— Dr. Charlie Ward (@Charlieward_tvv) July 5, 2026

Across the country, commemorative events were also held in cities including New York and Philadelphia, despite heatwaves and severe weather affecting parts of the East Coast. The United States declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The 250th anniversary is being observed through year-long events across the country.