The US President opened the celebrations surrounding the 250th founding anniversary of the United States in Washington with plenty of self-praise.Image: keystone
June 25, 2026, 05:17June 25, 2026, 05:17
Music from military bands, fighter jets flying in formation and a speech from Donald Trump: The US President opened the celebrations surrounding the 250th founding anniversary of the United States in Washington with plenty of self-praise. On the National Mall, the park between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial in the heart of the US capital, Trump devoted himself in detail to one topic in particular: his own politics.
The US President covered everything from the Iran War to controversial construction projects such as the new ballroom at the White House to measures with which his government is trying to curtail the rights of trans people. Shortly before the 250th anniversary of the USA’s Independence Day on July 4th, he was happy to announce: “America is back.” Trump’s speech largely resembled a campaign speech – and ended with the words: “We will make America great again. (…) Happy birthday, America!”
Numerous people had gathered in the green area to listen to him. Some wore caps from his MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, many waved US flags. Before Trump, some cabinet members also addressed the crowd – with a song of praise for the USA and Trump. Transport Minister Sean Duffy spoke of “the greatest president this country has ever had since George Washington”. Washington was the first president of the USA (1789-1797) – the capital bears his name.
Poor poll numbers for the “greatest president”
Trump’s minister’s words contrast with the president’s approval ratings, which have been pretty bad for a long time. From the Iran War to the expensive renovation of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, which is now again infested with algae – Trump’s concerns in his second term are not those of the majority of his voter base, “let alone those of other Americans,” US broadcaster ABC News quoted Daniel Treisman, a political scientist at the University of California in Los Angeles. “That explains his unusually low approval ratings.” As the important midterm elections in November approach, this is also becoming an increasing problem for Trump’s Republicans.
Change of plans after cancellations by artists
“Largest live rally of all time”: This is how Trump praised the opening event for the anniversary celebrations in advance, even though several artists had already canceled their participation in a concert series planned for the celebrations – including The Commodores, Poison frontman Bret Michaels and Fabrice “Fab” Morvan from the former pop duo Milli Vanilli. Many justified their withdrawal by saying that the event was more political than originally portrayed.
Trump reacted angrily: “We don’t want talentless singers lulling you to sleep with their high salaries – we told them all to stay at home,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform at the beginning of the month. “All we want is you, me, a few speakers and the greatest music ever played – the same music you’ve been hearing for years!”
This meant, among other things, the song “God Bless the USA”. The song was played regularly at Trump’s campaign events – at the anniversary celebrations, country musician Lee Greenwood sang it directly before Trump’s speech. (sda/dpa)