Trump to hold campaign-style rally as US marks 250th Independence Day

The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, with President Donald Trump headlining a political rally on the National Mall in Washington as critics accused his administration of turning a historic national commemoration into a partisan event.

While communities across the country marked the Fourth of July with parades, concerts and fireworks, Trump placed himself at the centre of the capital's celebrations, describing his evening appearance as "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all."

The event featured military flyovers and an expanded fireworks display against the backdrop of Washington's iconic monuments.

Elsewhere, Philadelphia — where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 — hosted free public events, including a pop concert and cupcake giveaway, while New York's celebrations featured tall ships from around the world.

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Washington's annual Independence Day festivities typically attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. This year, attendees also faced heightened security, possible thunderstorms and temperatures expected to climb above 38 degrees Celsius.

Unlike previous presidents, who generally kept a lower profile during Independence Day celebrations, Trump has taken a prominent role in the anniversary events, blurring the distinction between an official national observance and a campaign-style gathering.

The administration has largely sidelined the bipartisan commission established in 2016 to coordinate the country's 250th anniversary celebrations, replacing it with the Freedom 250 initiative.

The group has transformed much of the 1.5-mile National Mall into a "Great American State Fair," featuring attractions such as a Ferris wheel alongside exhibits by conservative organisations and defence contractors.

Several Democratic-led states chose not to participate, while a number of scheduled performers withdrew, citing concerns over the increasingly political nature of the celebrations. Although attendance at some Freedom 250 events has been modest, thousands gathered for Trump's opening rally on June 24.

The programme also includes a faith rally featuring predominantly conservative Christian speakers, sporting events and other activities carrying the Freedom 250 branding. Among them are mixed martial arts bouts planned at the White House for Trump's 80th birthday and an IndyCar race in Washington later this summer.

Freedom 250 has also sponsored mobile exhibits portraying American history, which critics argue present an overly religious narrative while downplaying issues such as slavery and racial injustice.

Public opinion appears divided over the anniversary celebrations. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a majority of Americans believe the country's 250th anniversary has become excessively politicised, including about three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.

Ahead of the milestone, the Trump administration also undertook several projects to refurbish landmarks across the capital. While some monuments and fountains were restored, the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool has faced criticism over construction delays and maintenance problems, with security remaining visibly heightened around the site.

With inputs from agencies