A Nation at 250: Trump Addresses Storm-Delayed Crowd as World Leaders Extend Greetings

The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, with festivities unfolding against a backdrop of extreme heat, severe storms and deepening political polarisation across the country.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the National Mall in Washington, though his speech was delayed by hours after severe thunderstorms forced a temporary evacuation of the site. Undeterred, Trump declared on social media, "I'M HERE!!!" before telling the crowd that the United States stands as "freedom's triumph over tyranny, liberty's conquest over oppression." He honoured the Artemis II astronauts and an Apollo-era astronaut during his remarks, and was followed by a massive fireworks display . A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge during New York's fireworks show , though no injuries were reported.

Celebrations spanned the country despite an oppressive heat wave , with heat index values nearing 115°F in Washington. New York rang in the day with a midnight ball drop and tall ships parading past the Statue of Liberty , while Chicago and New York lit up their skylines with fireworks. On Coney Island , Joey "Jaws" Chestnut won the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest for the 18th time , while Miki Sudo retained the women's title.

The milestone also exposed the nation's political fault lines . New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared to reference Trump without naming him, saying America's founding ideals "are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them." Vice President JD Vance , speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge , defended America's greatness against critics. Meanwhile, dozens of members of a white nationalist group marched in Washington without incident.

World leaders sent congratulations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted "on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians," saying shared democratic values make the India-US friendship "a force for global good." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed 250 years of transatlantic partnership, while Pope Leo XIV , NATO chief Mark Rutte , and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also extended wishes. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed warm regards to Trump personally, wishing Americans "happiness and prosperity." Britain's Royal Family also joined in with a "Happy 250th" message online.

The Statue of Liberty , Washington Monument , and monuments worldwide were lit in red, white and blue as America marked a quarter-millennium since the 1776 Declaration of Independence.