Trump delivers Mount Rushmore speech for US 250th anniversary amid heatwave

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, praising the nation as the freest and most powerful on earth while warning that American identity is under threat from what he called domestic radicals and extremists. The address launched a weekend of celebrations, with the president promising the biggest fireworks display ever in Washington later. Before landing, his new presidential jet, a gift from the Qatari government that cost US taxpayers $400 million to convert into an interim Air Force One, performed two flyovers for the crowds.

Trump described the United States as the oldest republic on earth and said it would never quit or fail. He also claimed a resurgence of what he termed the communist menace and criticised newcomers who embraced ideas opposed to the American way of life. These remarks reflect a growing line of attack ahead of November's midterm elections, with Republicans seeking to brand Democrats as communists. The speech mixed bipartisan themes about the constitution and economic spirit with pointed partisan messages on immigration and internal threats.

Meanwhile, an extreme heatwave is crippling Washington DC and parts of the East Coast. The District of Columbia is currently among the top 1% of the hottest places on earth, alongside the Gobi Desert, according to the Washington Post. A parade due to take place in the nation's capital on Saturday has been cancelled because of the high temperatures, which have reached 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. The 4th of July holiday could be the hottest on record, affecting barbecues, parades and other activities. The Great American State Fair was also shut down temporarily.

Analysts noted that Trump's choice of Mount Rushmore reflected his liking for an image of American greatness and a sanitised version of history. The speech tested attack lines on extremism and communism, which resonate with a strain of American voters, particularly on immigration. The Supreme Court recently upheld birthright citizenship, a decision Trump had tried to overturn. At the same time, the court expanded the powers of the executive branch, adding to a long-running debate about the balance of power between the branches of government. The US's role on the global stage remains contested, with Trump favouring a more transactional approach while many Americans still want a principled, connected role with allies.