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The United States marked the 250th anniversary of its independence on Friday with spectacular fireworks, military flyovers and celebrations across the country, even as extreme weather and political divisions cast a shadow over the historic milestone.
The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared independence from British rule.
In Washington, President Donald Trump addressed supporters on the National Mall before what organisers described as the largest fireworks display in US history.
“The American dream is back,” Trump told the crowd after a programme that included a military flyover, a concert and patriotic celebrations.
Wrapping up his speech shortly before midnight, Trump repeated themes central to his political agenda, including opposition to communism, support for his proposed Save America Act and the constitutional right to bear arms.
“Long live the cause of independence,” he said. “We will always be on top, we will never let our country fall.”
He also declared that the celebrations marked “the dawn of the golden age of America”, saying the country’s destiny was “written by God”.
The event was delayed by thunderstorms that forced authorities to temporarily evacuate parts of the National Mall after temperatures climbed to around 37 degrees Celsius during the day.
The celebrations formed part of the White House-backed Freedom 250 initiative, which has drawn criticism from opponents who accuse Trump of politicising the anniversary. The programme is separate from the bipartisan America 250 commemorations established by Congress.
Across the country, communities hosted block parties, concerts and cultural events. Performances featured artists including Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige in New York, The Smashing Pumpkins and Chaka Khan in Los Angeles, and Christina Aguilera and Will Smith in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, held ceremonies at Independence Hall and a special military flyover. America 250 organisers also buried a time capsule to be opened in 200 years, containing a signed copy of the US Constitution, a Coca-Cola bottle and artefacts from all 50 states and US territories.
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, 150 people from 50 countries became US citizens during a naturalisation ceremony.
New York City’s annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest also returned, with Joey Chestnut winning his 18th men’s title after consuming 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Miki Sudo claimed her 12th women’s title.
However, celebrations were disrupted in several states by an intense heatwave and severe storms.
Organisers cancelled Washington’s annual Independence Day Parade over safety concerns, while festivities in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Colorado were also called off.
Temperatures reached as high as 42 degrees Celsius in parts of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, while severe thunderstorms left nearly 750,000 customers without electricity across the eastern United States. Michigan alone recorded more than 350,000 power outages after winds exceeding 97 kilometres per hour battered the state.
Other states affected included Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, New York and Wisconsin.
The anniversary also prompted reflections from all four living former US presidents.
Former President Joe Biden said the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence remained unfinished.
“We chose that path 250 years ago but that’s where the work began, not where it ended,” he said, adding that the promise of equality still required continued effort.
Barack Obama urged Americans to continue striving to fulfil the nation’s founding ideals, saying every generation must protect what is right, correct what is wrong and strengthen the country.
George W. Bush called on citizens to play an active role in public life, saying the next 250 years required “citizens, not spectators.”
Bill Clinton acknowledged the significance of the anniversary while warning that the United States faced deep political divisions and challenges to its democratic institutions.
The celebrations reflected both the pride and the divisions that continue to shape the United States as it enters its third century and a half as an independent nation.
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