Connor StringerJul 4, 2026 – 9.00amStanding on stage at the Great American State Fair, the carnival of July 4 celebrations held on the National Mall in Washington, Donald Trump declared that the United States was back.“A short time ago we were a dead country,” the president said from behind bulletproof glass. “We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world; we’re respected by everybody.”The Telegraph LondonSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles