President Donald Trump formally kicked off America’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a rally and fireworks display at Mt. Rushmore on Friday evening.
The evening event took place in the memorial’s amphitheater before a fireworks display. It included performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, which played selections such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.” Brief remarks preceded the president’s speech from South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, which were followed by military flyovers and a pass from Air Force One over the monument.
The fireworks show followed Trump’s address and lasted approximately 15 minutes. The first such display at the site in several years, it drew additional viewers from nearby areas.
EPIC: Air Force One does a flyby of Mount Rushmore with President Trump on board ahead of his speech tonight. 🇺🇸
Mercia! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/fXorARIGOd
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) July 4, 2026
In his remarks, Trump discussed American history and national identity. He stated that the United States is “the most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history” and that “no other country has done more good for this world than the United States of America.”
He added, “For a quarter of a millennium, liberty, justice, equality, self-government and unmatched prosperity have flourished here as they have never, never flourished anywhere before. There is nothing like what we are doing.”
Trump emphasized continuity of American principles, saying Americans must always remember who they are and that the United States “will forever be the land of free men and women” and “will never fail.” He continued, “We will always fight, fight, fight and win, win, win.” Addressing citizenship and national attachment, he noted, “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we built. You must love our country.”
The president also addressed perceived threats, stating, “Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty. It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.” He said, “America will never be a communist country.”
Trump closed with a message of optimism for the nation’s future. “Tomorrow, we reach a milestone like no other, and celebrate with joyful hearts and soaring spirits — because after two and a half centuries, we know that this is not an ending, this is only the beginning of the golden age of America. And together we will make America bigger, better and stronger than ever before — I promise you that,” he said.
.@POTUS: “Tonight, we come to this beautiful mountain—and it is beautiful—to express our gratitude to those who made it all possible—starting with the four men more responsible for reaching this milestone than any others.
We salute the Father of our Country, George Washington.… pic.twitter.com/MUZUzEYpFz
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 4, 2026
Following the July 3 program and fireworks, Trump departed South Dakota and arrived back in Washington, D.C., early on July 4 via Air Force One, ultimately reaching the White House around 4 a.m. local time.
For the remainder of the weekend, the president’s schedule centers on July 4 events in Washington. He is set to attend and speak at the Salute to America Celebration on the National Mall.
The appearance includes remarks ahead of a fireworks display described by organizers as one of the largest on the Mall in recent years, with aerial elements from multiple military branches. T
