President Donald Trump kicked off America’s 250th Independence Day with a late-night speech from Mount Rushmore in which he called out a new/old enemy within the United States — communism.
Trump spoke from the South Dakota landmark on Friday night, not long before the clock hit midnight on the East Coast to start July 4 celebrations. The president noted the success of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln as he spoke on a stage with the monument in the background.
“These men could have only been made in the USA,” Trump said.
The president’s address occurred as Independence Day activities continued across the nation. That included in Washington, D.C., where his Great American State Fair has turned into a dud.
High temperatures led to the closure of the fair on Friday afternoon. The event has been panned by critics who have noted the shoddy construction, falling sets and lackluster offerings.
Saturday will continue the July 4 celebrations at the National Mall, where Trump has promised a large fireworks show. The schedule for the day’s events may be pushed back, however, due to the extreme heat. He is also set to give an address around 9:45 p.m. The fireworks show is expected to begin after he finishes.
