US celebrates 250th birthday as heatwave and political tensions loom

Published 4 July 2026 · us

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 250th anniversary of American independence is colliding with a country gripped by political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 250th anniversary of American independence is colliding with a country gripped by political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on millions of people across multiple states as celebrations got underway Saturday throughout the United States. America celebates 250th Independence Day The signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of history's most celebrated articulations of democratic ambitions, is being marked in myriad ways. President Donald Trump plans to speak on the Mall before what is being billed as a historically enormous fireworks show that will rain down over the nation's capital. He was in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore on Friday, where he delivered a dark speech about the threat of communism in the U.S. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 How is the 250th anniversary of American independence being celebrated across the U.S.? ⌵ The 250th anniversary of American independence is marked by various celebrations, including fireworks shows, parades, and events reflecting on the nation's history, despite challenges due to extreme heat and political tensions. 2 Why are many Independence Day celebrations facing cancellations this year? ⌵ Many Independence Day celebrations are facing cancellations due to an extreme heat wave affecting large portions of the U.S., with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in many areas. 3 What health risks are associated with the extreme heat during America’s 250th birthday celebrations? ⌵ The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses, exhaustion, and potentially fatal conditions, prompting officials to cancel or modify outdoor events. 4 How has the political climate affected America’s 250th birthday celebrations? ⌵ The political climate, characterized by polarization and tensions, adds a complex layer to the 250th birthday celebrations, prompting discussions about national ideals and the meaning of freedom. 5 What adjustments were made to event schedules for America's 250th birthday celebrations? ⌵ Event schedules have been adjusted or postponed, such as the cancellation of the main parade in Washington, D.C., and delays in other festivities due to the severe heat warnings.

Fireworks are scheduled to be set off over Navy Pier in Chicago and against the skyline of New York City. New York hosted a ball drop at midnight to usher in the holiday with the same fanfare as New Year's Eve and saw tall ships parade pass the Statue of Liberty, recalling the fanfare around America's 200th anniversary in 1976. View full Image View full Image WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A woman dressed as an eagle with red, white and blue wings looks on during "Salute to America 250" Fourth of July celebrations near the Mall on July 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. Americans are celebrating the nation�s 250th anniversary amidst an extreme heat wave bringing dangerous triple digit temperatures to much of the eastern United States. Finn Gomez/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Finn Gomez / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) (Getty Images via AFP) Anticipation for the milestone holiday has been building for much of the year, serving as an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their complicated history as onetime colonists of an empire who became a superpower of their own. Celebrations months in the making had to adjust or cancel activities entirely as much of the East Coast sweltered under heat that approached and in many cases surpassed triple digits. Also Read | Melania copies Trump’s signature dance as first couple celebrates Fourth of July Undeterred, a U.S. Marine from Guinea became a newly minted citizen at George Washington's Mount Vernon in Virginia, wearing a crisp dress uniform and a small smile, while a 7-year-old raced onto a parade route in Brattleboro, Vermont, to snatch a Tootsie Roll. In Louisville, Kentucky, people used a Sharpie equipped with a feather to scribble their signatures on a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Heat is defining the big weekend in many places. In Washington, a rodeo and the city’s main Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday were canceled, but a smaller one rolled along in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in the morning as onlookers sought shade under trees along the route.