In Fourth of July Speech, Trump Celebrates America and Derides Foes

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-05 00:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Fourth of July Speech Blends History With Political Attacks and Exaggerations

On the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary, President Trump delivered a speech on the National Mall that combined patriotic themes with familiar political rhetoric, including attacks on Democrats and boasts about his own record.

Political Attacks and Voting Restrictions

As he did the previous night at Mount Rushmore, Trump used the occasion to warn about Democrats, repeatedly invoking the threat of “communism” and calling on Congress to pass legislation that would make it harder to vote. This demand for more restrictive voting laws is consistent with his ongoing efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections.

Claims of Unfair Treatment and Audience Size

While celebrating American freedoms, Trump inserted a personal grievance, stating, “Unlike so many others in the world, in this country we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equal justice under the law — although I wasn’t treated that well, but we won’t get into that.” He also repeated his frequent claim about his popularity, referring to himself as “the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime,” a boast that has been widely disputed and is not supported by independent crowd estimates.

Exaggerated Historical Artifacts and Military Boasts

Trump brought artifacts onstage, including a flag he said was the first to fly over the Brooklyn Bridge and another he claimed “flew triumphant when the British waved the white flag of surrender at Yorktown.” These claims about the artifacts have not been independently verified and fit a pattern of embellishing historical details for dramatic effect.

He also told the crowd, “We rebuilt our military in my first term,” and then, in a characteristic aside, added, “actually, I should say third term, but I won’t do that, because I don’t want any controversy.” This quip alludes to his frequent, unfounded suggestions of having served more than one term.

Entertainment and Event Challenges

Trump’s speech followed performances by Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood after other entertainers declined to participate in the event. Despite severe weather that forced attendees to seek shelter, Trump insisted the show would go on, posting online, “Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting!” and later, “I’M HERE!!!” He told the crowd, “There’s no way, if we have to speak in front of one person at 4 o’clock in the morning, I’m going to be there! There’s no way we can be deterred.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s Fourth of July address was marked by a blend of patriotic celebration and political messaging, including attacks on Democrats, exaggerated claims about his own popularity, and unverified historical references. While the speech was intended as a centerpiece for the nation’s anniversary, it ultimately reflected the familiar themes and tactics of a Trump rally, underscoring his ongoing use of national events to advance personal and political narratives.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/05/us/politics/trump-speech-fourth-july.html

Trump celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in weather-delayed, sometimes partisan speech

Administration News — 2026-07-05 00:03:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Blends Patriotism with Partisan Rhetoric in 250th Anniversary Speech

President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with a late-night address that was delayed by inclement weather. In his remarks, Trump celebrated American achievements and resilience, stating, “Tonight we come together for one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time.” However, his speech also took a sharply partisan turn, focusing on what he described as ideological threats facing the country.

Partisan Overtones Amid National Celebration

While Trump’s speech began by highlighting the nation’s historic accomplishments, he quickly shifted to deeply partisan rhetoric. The president’s remarks blended praise for American resilience with warnings about perceived dangers posed by ideological opponents. This approach has been a hallmark of Trump’s public addresses, where he often frames national milestones in the context of ongoing political battles.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

The excerpt does not provide specific examples of false claims or disparagements made by Trump during this particular speech. However, it does note the president’s tendency to use major national events as platforms for partisan messaging, a pattern that has drawn criticism for overshadowing moments of unity with divisive language.

Conclusion: A Divided Message on a Unifying Occasion

President Trump’s address on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding exemplified his approach of mixing patriotic celebration with partisan commentary. While he called the occasion “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time,” the speech ultimately underscored the president’s focus on ideological divides. As the country commemorated a historic milestone, Trump’s remarks served as a reminder of the ongoing tensions shaping American political discourse.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953811-trump-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/

Trump tries again to delay $5m sexual abuse payout to E Jean Carroll | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-04 16:41:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Seeks More Time to Pay E. Jean Carroll Judgment, Continues to Deny Allegations

Lawyers for Donald Trump have requested additional time to pay a nearly $5.8 million civil judgment to magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to hear his appeal. Trump’s legal team argued that a change in counsel—prompted by his former lead attorney Justin Smith taking a federal judgeship, a position for which Trump nominated him—necessitated more time for the new lead counsel, Josh Halpern, to become familiar with the case.

Trump’s Denials and Delay Tactics

A jury previously found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in 1996 and later defamed her after she went public with her account in 2019. Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s claims, labeling them as politically and financially motivated. After the Supreme Court rejected his appeal, Trump vowed to continue fighting what he called a “Weaponization and Lawfare Case.”

Despite having deposited the judgment amount in an escrow fund, Trump is now seeking to delay the release of the funds, which have grown with interest. His attorneys requested the court extend their deadline to respond to Carroll’s request for payment until July 14, arguing that Carroll “faces no risk of material harm” because the judgment is secured by money held by the court, including enough accrued interest to cover any additional post-judgment interest.

Carroll’s Legal Team Responds

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, dismissed Trump’s request for more time as “little more than yet another play for time.” Kaplan noted that Trump had ample opportunity to secure new counsel, as Smith’s nomination to the court of appeals occurred more than five months ago. She argued that Trump should have been acting diligently since at least February.

Kaplan’s filing also suggested that Trump’s legal maneuvers are intended to delay payment further, possibly in connection with his forthcoming petition and motion for a rehearing. Carroll’s lawyers anticipate that Trump may attempt to combine appeals for both the $5 million and a separate $83 million defamation judgment, the latter of which involves statements he made about Carroll during his presidency and could raise questions of presidential immunity.

Conclusion

Trump’s ongoing efforts to delay payment to E. Jean Carroll, paired with his repeated denials and claims of political motivation, highlight his continued strategy of challenging court findings and postponing accountability. As legal battles over the judgments continue, the case underscores Trump’s pattern of using procedural tactics to resist compliance with court orders, even after multiple judicial rejections of his appeals.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/04/trump-delay-5m-payout-e-jean-carroll

Europe’s leaders close ranks as they face barbs and pressure from Trump

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-02 16:37:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s Attacks on Italy’s Meloni Spark European Unity, Draw Criticism of False Claims and Disparagements

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent attacks on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have had ripple effects across Europe, exposing his pattern of public disparagement and questionable claims while inadvertently strengthening ties among European leaders.

Trump’s Claims and Public Attacks

Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and claimed that Meloni had “groveled for his attention.” These remarks, widely seen as disparaging, prompted a strong response from Meloni and a wave of support for her from other European leaders. Meloni called Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo “unacceptable,” and publicly rebuffed his accusation that she had “begged” to be photographed with him at the recent G7 summit in France, stating on social media: “As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you.”

Trump’s approach has not been limited to Italy. The excerpt details how he has frequently attacked European leaders, with many having been on the “receiving end of Trump’s barbs.” His divisive rhetoric has led to a rare show of unity among European nations, who are now coordinating more closely on defense, tariffs, and foreign policy in response to what they view as unpredictable U.S. leadership.

Fact-Checked Exaggerations and International Fallout

Trump’s claims about Meloni’s conduct and Italy’s reliability have been met with skepticism and outright rejection by European officials. The article notes that Meloni’s refusal to allow U.S. bombers to use a Sicilian base without parliamentary approval was a pivotal moment, but it was not the act of a leader “groveling” for attention. Instead, it demonstrated her independence and willingness to stand up to U.S. pressure.

Trump’s criticism has also extended to Meloni’s stance on the Iran war and her support for the pope, further straining relations. These attacks have been described by Meloni as “unprovoked” and “senseless,” and they have contributed to her growing popularity among European leaders who had previously been wary of her party’s hard-right roots.

Broader Impact and European Backlash

Trump’s confrontational style has not only isolated him from mainstream European leaders but has also caused nationalist parties once aligned with him to distance themselves. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella recently described Trump as “erratic” and “extremely unsteady,” despite previously praising his nationalism. In Germany, leaders of the far-right Alternative for Germany party have expressed disappointment with Trump’s military actions.

The article also highlights Trump’s threat to take Greenland by force, which sparked protests and concerns about European sovereignty, and references political fallout in Hungary, where close alignment with Trump contributed to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat.

Conclusion: Trump’s Record of Disparagement and Its Consequences

Trump’s repeated false claims and public attacks on European leaders have not only damaged his standing abroad but have also fostered greater unity among European nations. As elections approach across the continent, Trump’s unpopularity—underscored by a Pew Research Center survey showing 83% of Italians lack confidence in his foreign policy—may have lasting political consequences for those associated with him. Ultimately, Trump’s rhetoric has backfired, strengthening the very alliances he sought to undermine and highlighting the risks of his confrontational approach on the world stage.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/europes-leaders-close-ranks-as-they-face-barbs-and-pressure-from-trump

Trump sneaks in Nobel Prize jab while touting America's achievements

Administration News — 2026-07-04 14:10:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Revives Familiar Grievance Over Nobel Prize During Mount Rushmore Speech

During his remarks at Mount Rushmore on the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday, President Trump once again aired a recurring complaint, this time about not having won a Nobel Prize. The president’s aside came as he listed American inventions and advancements, while also highlighting the country’s achievements in music, sports, and culture.

Trump’s public expression of dissatisfaction over the Nobel Prize is not new. He has repeatedly voiced frustration about not being recognized with the prestigious international award, despite his claims of significant accomplishments. This grievance resurfaced as he addressed the crowd, weaving it into a broader narrative of American exceptionalism.

Fact-checking Trump’s Record of Exaggeration

Trump’s remarks at Mount Rushmore fit a pattern of exaggerations and self-promotion that have characterized many of his public statements. By lamenting his lack of a Nobel Prize, the president continues to draw attention to himself and frame his leadership in terms of perceived slights or overlooked achievements.

While the president celebrated American innovation and cultural influence, his focus on personal recognition—specifically the Nobel Prize—stands out as another example of his tendency to conflate national success with his own legacy.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recurring complaint about not winning a Nobel Prize, repeated during a major national celebration, underscores his ongoing focus on personal accolades. As he touts American accomplishments, his remarks serve as a reminder of his history of exaggerations and grievances, shaping the narrative around his presidency and public persona.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953598-trump-sneaks-in-nobel-prize-jab-while-touting-americas-achievements/

In Mount Rushmore speech, Trump veers from U.S. exceptionalism to warnings about communism : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-04 15:34:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Marks America’s 250th With Divisive Rhetoric, Claims Communism Is Nation’s “Greatest Threat”

President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence on Friday with a speech at Mount Rushmore that quickly shifted from patriotic celebration to stark warnings about communism, drawing on language reminiscent of the Red Scare era.

“Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,” Trump declared. “It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.” This sweeping claim, delivered from a site honoring some of America’s most prominent presidents, stood in sharp contrast to the unifying, apolitical messages typically offered by past presidents during Independence Day celebrations.

Trump’s remarks evoked the fear-driven rhetoric of the 1950s, when accusations of communist sympathies led to widespread blacklisting and persecution across the country. By equating communism with the most traumatic events in American history—including two world wars and the September 11 attacks—Trump amplified a sense of existential danger, despite the lack of evidence that communism poses a threat on the scale of those historic tragedies.

The president’s speech was notable not only for its content but for its timing and setting. Delivered on the eve of the nation’s semiquincentennial, it underscored the deep political polarization of the moment. While Americans gathered to celebrate unity and resilience, Trump’s rhetoric served to stoke division, warning of sinister forces and painting a picture of America under siege.

As the country faces both a brutal heat wave and ongoing political tensions, Trump’s approach stands in contrast to calls for unity from other leaders. In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, referenced the nation’s contradictions and urged Americans to strive for the ideals on which the country was founded—ideals he suggested are strong enough to withstand authoritarianism, but only if Americans reach for them together.

Trump is expected to deliver another speech at the National Mall in Washington as part of the holiday’s main events, further cementing his role in shaping the tone of this historic anniversary.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to frame communism as the greatest threat facing America—above even the most devastating attacks and wars in the nation’s history—reflects a pattern of exaggeration and divisive rhetoric. As the country marks 250 years of independence, Trump’s words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle over the nation’s identity and the power of presidential rhetoric to unite or divide.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/04/g-s1-132025/mount-rushmore-speech-trump-july-4-250

Trump pardons 11 people ahead of July 4, including Clean Air Act violators: What to know

Administration News — 2026-07-04 15:14:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Grants Pardons to 11, Including Air Pollution Law Violators

President Donald Trump pardoned 11 people on Friday, including nine individuals convicted of violating a federal air pollution law, according to confirmation from a White House official. This move marks the latest in a series of clemency actions by Trump during his second term, continuing a pattern of pardons for allies and high-profile figures whom Trump has deemed were treated unfairly.

Pattern of Pardons for Allies and High-Profile Figures

The president’s decision to grant these pardons fits into a broader trend observed throughout his administration. Trump has repeatedly used his clemency powers to benefit individuals he believes were unjustly prosecuted or sentenced, particularly those with connections to his political circle or those whose cases have drawn significant public attention.

Focus on Air Pollution Law Violations

Among the 11 pardoned on Friday, nine were convicted of violating federal air pollution regulations. The White House did not immediately provide detailed reasoning for each pardon, but the action underscores Trump’s willingness to intervene in cases involving environmental law, an area where his administration has often taken deregulatory stances.

Trump’s Justification for Clemency

Trump has justified his use of pardons by claiming that many of those granted clemency were victims of unfair prosecution or excessive punishment. In this latest round, the president’s actions reflect his ongoing narrative that the justice system has been weaponized against certain individuals, particularly those with whom he sympathizes or identifies.

Conclusion: A Controversial Use of Presidential Power

President Trump’s latest pardons, especially those involving violations of federal air pollution laws, continue to draw scrutiny over his approach to executive clemency. By focusing on individuals he believes were unfairly targeted, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to override judicial outcomes, raising questions about the impartiality and motivations behind his use of this significant presidential power.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953633-trump-grants-clemency-allies/

Europe is learning that when you take in Third World criminals, you become a Third World Country. It happens quickly, in just a blink of the eye. I was elected just in time!!! President DJT

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-04 13:59:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Claims Europe Is Becoming a “Third World Country” Due to Immigration

In a recent statement, Donald Trump declared, “Europe is learning that when you take in Third World criminals, you become a Third World Country. It happens quickly, in just a blink of the eye. I was elected just in time!!! President DJT.” This comment continues a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and unsubstantiated claims about immigration and its effects on Western nations.

False and Disparaging Claims About Immigrants

Trump’s assertion that Europe is “taking in Third World criminals” and that this leads to a rapid decline into “Third World Country” status is not supported by evidence. The statement paints immigrants from developing nations as criminals and implies that their presence alone is enough to fundamentally and negatively transform entire countries. This is a sweeping generalization that has been widely debunked by numerous studies, which show that immigrants do not increase crime rates and often contribute positively to their new communities.

Exaggeration of Threat and Self-Congratulation

Trump further exaggerates the supposed threat by claiming the transformation happens “in just a blink of the eye.” This hyperbolic language is designed to stoke fear and urgency without providing factual support. He concludes by crediting his own election as a pivotal moment that prevented the United States from experiencing the same fate, a self-congratulatory claim that lacks substantiation.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Misleading Rhetoric

Trump’s recent statement fits a broader pattern of making false, exaggerated, and disparaging claims about immigrants and immigration policy. By framing immigrants as criminals and suggesting that their arrival leads to the rapid decline of entire societies, Trump continues to promote a narrative that is not supported by facts. Readers should be aware of this ongoing pattern and seek out accurate information when evaluating such claims.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39691

In a pickle: US pickle company pulls out of DC fair over Confederate flag | Washington DC

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-04 12:21:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Declares “Scallops Day” and Warns of “Mortal Threat” from Communism Amid Controversies at Great American State Fair

On the nation’s 250th birthday, Donald Trump declared a nationwide scallops day, citing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) action aimed at opening up fishing on the north edge of Georges Bank off New England. Trump said the move would mean more jobs for fishers along the east coast.

Trump’s declaration came as the Great American State Fair in Washington DC, an event affiliated with the Trump administration and Republican allies, faced a series of setbacks. The fair was marred by low attendance, extreme heat sending at least seven people to the hospital, and controversy after a North Carolina booth displayed a video containing a Confederate flag. The Mt Olive Pickle Company, a major North Carolina-based vendor, withdrew from the fair after learning of the flag’s inclusion, stating it was unaware of the video content and reaffirming its commitment to “human dignity, opportunity, and freedom.”

At Mount Rushmore on Friday, Trump escalated the political tone of the celebrations, describing communism as a “mortal threat to American liberty.” This rhetoric came hours after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, appeared to reference Trump as an authoritarian, saying, “Those ideals upon which our nation was built – they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them.”

While Trump’s statements about jobs for fishers and warnings about communism were central to his public remarks during the holiday events, the fair itself was overshadowed by logistical issues and political divisions. At least seven Democratic-governed states declined to participate, mostly citing budget or scheduling constraints, while North Carolina’s representation was funded by private companies after the state government opted out.

Trump’s tendency to inject political messaging into national celebrations and to frame issues in stark ideological terms was on full display. His assertion that the NOAA action would create more jobs for fishers was presented without supporting evidence in the excerpt, and his warning about communism echoed familiar themes from his previous speeches.

In summary, Trump’s involvement in the nation’s 250th birthday events was marked by both symbolic declarations and divisive rhetoric, as the celebrations themselves became a battleground for broader political and cultural disputes.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/04/dc-state-fair-pickle-company-withdrawal

WATCH: Trump hails U.S. exceptionalism, warns of communist ‘threat’ in speech at Mount Rushmore

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-04 10:35:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Claims Communism Is America’s “Greatest Threat” in Divisive Independence Day Speech

President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a speech at Mount Rushmore that quickly shifted from patriotic celebration to stark warnings about communism. Trump declared, “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.”

This claim, delivered at a national monument honoring some of the nation’s most revered presidents, stands out for its dramatic exaggeration. By ranking communism as a greater threat than the world wars, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the September 11 terrorist attacks, Trump invoked rhetoric reminiscent of the Red Scare era, when fear of communism led to widespread persecution and blacklisting across the country.

Trump’s speech broke from the tradition of previous Independence Day addresses, which have typically focused on unity and national pride. Instead, his remarks echoed the divisive language he has used in recent days, stoking fears of ideological enemies and casting the current political climate in apocalyptic terms.

The president’s choice to frame communism as the nation’s gravest threat—above even catastrophic events that claimed thousands of American lives—reflects a pattern of hyperbolic statements that distort historical context. Such rhetoric not only misrepresents the scale and nature of past national crises, but also risks deepening the country’s current political polarization.

As the nation celebrated its milestone anniversary, Trump’s speech served as a reminder of how the country’s leadership can shape public discourse—sometimes by amplifying fears and divisions rather than fostering unity.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/watch-trump-hails-u-s-exceptionalism-warns-of-communist-threat-in-speech-at-mount-rushmore