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Events are taking place across the US to celebrate one of the biggest milestones in American history, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
Congress has reportedly allocated $150m (£112m) in federal funds for the birthday celebration, and millions more is being spent by a group that was started by US President Donald Trump.
The programming has included a giant state fair honouring all the regions of the US, a flyover of fighter jets, and the opening of a presidential library. Festivities will culminate in a “Salute to America” fireworks display on 4 July, Independence Day.
Some of the celebrations have not been without controversy, as they have raised questions about whether Trump has politicised the occasion.
America250, one of the groups planning celebrations, was established by Congress a decade ago to plan non-partisan events. Meanwhile the organisation running its own events that was created by Trump – called Freedom 250 – is a public-private partnership.
Trump has spoken at several of the America 250 events and will also deliver remarks in the midst of a severe heatwave at the National Mall on 4 July.
As part of independence week, Trump has attended the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
Trump gave a speech a the museum, calling Roosevelt “a man who I have long admired”, and went on a tour of the space.
On 3 July, the eve of Independence Day, Trump will travel to South Dakota for the first fireworks display in six years at Mount Rushmore National Memorial – a sculpture in the Black Hills that depicts four historical US presidents.
Trump is set to deliver remarks there before he heads to the biggest day of celebrations on 4 July.
A massive 16-day State Fair, from 25 June to 10 July, is taking place across the National Mall from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument.
All 56 US states and territories are showcased in the exposition, according to Freedom 250, which is organising the event.
