President Donald Trump opened America’s 250th Independence Day weekend with a return to Mount Rushmore, reviving one of the most symbolic scenes of his first administration as the White House stages a week of patriotic events across the country’s most recognizable landmarks.
Trump last attended a Mount Rushmore fireworks display in 2020, when the landmark hosted its first official fireworks show since 2009.
The president issued a presidential action in January ordering “a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026.”
On both federal and state levels, the nation has thrown a lineup of events this summer including the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall.
Trump kicked off the fair on June 24 by hosting a rally the night before.
He returns Saturday for the “Salute to America” event on the National Mall, where he is expected to take the stage.
“A GRAND CELEBRATION WORTHY OF THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE ON JULY 4, 2026.”
Trump’s remarks are expected to begin around 9:00 p.m. ET, prior to a massive fireworks display that the administration is touting as the largest in history.
Washington, D.C., has been placed under an “Extreme Heat Alert” until Sunday morning with temperatures predicted to feel like 105°F or hotter, according to DC Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
The National Mall has garnered special attention this year after a string of vandalism against the Reflecting Pool and monuments.
The pattern emerged after Trump ordered a restoration and repainting of the Reflecting Pool, which was then met with “razor-blade cuts” to its lining, according to the White House.
Earlier this week, Trump attended the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Library in Medora, North Dakota, on Wednesday.
Roosevelt was known for his passion for the outdoors — dramatically expanding federal protection of natural resources and public lands. He established national parks, created national monuments and strengthened the U.S. Forest Service.
Trump also signed the “Great American Outdoors Act Reauthorization,” which centers on previous legislation signed by the 45th and 47th president but renews funding in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
The week of patriotic events underscores Trump’s commitment to celebrating American heritage at the nation’s most iconic landmarks — from Mount Rushmore to the National Mall — as the country marks a quarter-millennium of independence.
