Trump says American identity under 'renewed attack' as US turns 250
President Donald Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Friday, July 3, 2026, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out on July 3 at what he called a fresh threat against the country's identity, taking aim at domestic "radicals and extremists" on the eve of America's 250th birthday.
In a speech dripping with patriotism, Trump lauded American exceptionalism and praised its past leaders, speaking at Mount Rushmore with its giant carved heads of four of his legendary predecessors.
But he added at the foot of the iconic monument: "As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack."
