Trump Rolls Out America’s 250th Anniversary. Mamdani Invokes A Swift Word Of Caution

US President Donald Trump has warned about the threat posed by Communism to America as he ushered in the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

“Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,” he said from Mount Rushmore. “It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11,” in a major departure from unifying speeches commemorating Independence Day celebrations made by previous presidents, but increasingly toeing Trump’s own rhetoric, the Associated Press reported.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani struck a different tone, celebrating America as a nation “working each day towards the perfection in which it was conceived.”

As Americans started joining the festivities, reports that all-time temperature records could be broken during the weekend also poured in.

The National Weather Service noted that temperatures of up to 105 degrees Farenheit (more than 40 degrees Celsius) may descend on central and eastern US, potentially setting new records.

Officials have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Staying hydrated and taking air-conditioned breaks should be the norm.

Around 160 million Americans were under either major or extreme heat warnings as the country prepared to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence, according to the National Weather Service, AFP reported.

“My recommendation to all New Yorkers is to stay inside and stay cool, and if you happen to be getting married at Madison Square Garden, you will be staying inside and you will be staying cool, and I think it is a good example to set to the city at large,” Mamadani told reporters, invoking pop icon Taylor Swift’s Madison Square Garden wedding with Travis Kelce. That was a call to those in New York to avoid outdoor activities in the heat.

Philadelphia canceled Friday’s Salute to Independence parade, and The Great American State Fair in Washington paused ahead of the sweltering afternoon. It reopened later at 5 p.m. Washington’s Capitol Fourth concert also factored in the heat, with a later-than-usual opening of gates.

Patti LaBelle, Trace Adkins, members of the Artemis II space mission and fireworks over George Washington’s Mount Vernon though lit up the festivities. An Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday in Washington has been reportedly canceled.

Hundreds descended on the grounds of the National Mall, home to The Great American State Fair on Friday.

On Saturday, fireworks will mark the festive mood across the US.

President Trump is expected to deliver another fiery speech at National Mall in Washington, ahead of a much-awaited fireworks show. Trump has already termed it as a “spectacular rally.”

Over a million people are expected at the National Mall in Washington DC for a “full day of programming”, according to the White House, Sky News reported .

The White House has billed the “Salute to America” fireworks as the “largest pyrotechnics display in the history of the world”.

A new poll conducted by the Cato Institute also found out that nearly half of Americans seem to be unable to figure out what America commemorates on its 250th anniversary.

US military bases across the globe are also commemorating America’s 250th birthday with fireworks displays and festivities, according to reports.