President Donald Trump is marking the 250th anniversary of United States independence with a major political-style event on the National Mall in Washington.
The July 4 celebration comes as Americans across the country hold parades, fireworks displays, concerts and community events to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The United States is celebrating 250 years since the 13 American colonies declared independence from Britain, a historic decision that led to the Revolutionary War and later recognition of U.S. sovereignty in 1783.
In Washington, Trump has placed himself at the centre of the anniversary activities with an evening appearance near some of the country’s most recognisable monuments.
The event is expected to feature military flyovers, patriotic displays and a large fireworks show.
Trump has promoted the gathering as a major rally-style celebration, drawing criticism from opponents who say the official anniversary events have taken on a partisan tone.
The National Mall, which usually hosts large public Independence Day crowds, has seen increased security measures and restricted access for parts of the celebration.
Visitors in Washington are also dealing with extreme heat risks, with temperatures expected to rise sharply during the holiday period
Across the country, major cities are holding their own 250th anniversary events.
Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, planned public celebrations including music performances and free cupcakes.
New York is also expected to host tall ships from different parts of the world as part of the Independence Day activities.
However, the national celebration has been surrounded by political debate.
A nonpartisan commission created in 2016 to plan the semiquincentennial anniversary has reportedly been pushed aside as the Trump administration’s Freedom 250 initiative takes the lead in several major events.
The Freedom 250 programme has organised a “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, featuring rides, exhibits and displays from conservative groups and defence contractors.
Several Democratic-led states reportedly declined to send delegations to the event.
Some performers earlier listed for anniversary activities also withdrew, citing concerns that the celebrations had become too closely tied to partisan politics.
The Freedom 250 programme also includes faith-based events, sports activities and other branded celebrations linked to the anniversary.
Among the planned activities are mixed martial arts events on White House grounds for Trump’s 80th birthday and an IndyCar race scheduled in Washington in August.
The anniversary events have also drawn criticism over “Freedom Trucks,” which opponents say present a strongly religious version of American history while failing to fully address slavery, racial injustice and other difficult parts of the country’s past.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that many Americans believe the 250th anniversary celebrations have become too political.
The concern cuts across party lines, with a large share of Democrats and some Republicans expressing discomfort over the tone of the events.
Trump has also pushed renovation projects across parts of Washington ahead of the anniversary.
Some fountains and monuments have been improved, but other projects have faced problems.
One of the most closely watched projects is the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has reportedly faced delays and visible maintenance issues despite a major funding commitment.
The 250th Independence Day celebration has therefore become more than a patriotic anniversary.
It has also reflected the political divisions shaping the United States as the country looks back on its founding and debates the direction of its democracy.
For supporters, Trump’s National Mall appearance is a bold patriotic display.
For critics, it shows how a national milestone has become closely tied to one president’s political brand.
