US President Donald Trump's speech included some of his political agenda but also honoured war veterans and American history.

The story

Scorching heat and delays: How Washington DC marked US' 250th birthday

The US has marked its 250th birthday with fireworks and flyovers - but celebrations across the country were complicated by extreme weather.

Details

"The American dream is back," US President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd during a delayed rally in Washington's National Mall, before what he described as the world's largest firework display.

The 4 July federal holiday commemorates the 13 US colonies signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to end British rule.

Despite the celebrations, Trump has been criticised for making himself central to the milestone and politicising the celebrations.

The president's speech, which wrapped up just before midnight, touched on political themes including the rejection of communism, his backing of the Save America Act and the right to bear arms.

"Long live the cause of independence," he said. "May it reign forever and ever and ever. We will always be on top, we will never let our country fall, we will always be the best."

Trump capped off his remarks by calling the moment "only the dawn of the golden age of America" with its destiny "written by God".

How other sources reported it

Al Jazeera also reported on the story, highlighting that us president donald trump's speech included some of his political agenda but also honoured war veterans and american history.

NPR News also reported on the story, highlighting that fireworks explode over the lincoln memorial during salute to america, an independence day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, early sunday, july 5, 2026, on the national mall in washington as seen from arlington, va. jose luis magana/ap hide caption

Why it matters

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