WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 5, 2026, as part of the U.S. 250th Independence Day celebrations. During his address, Trump stated, "The American dream is back." He also referred to military actions against Iran and Venezuela, saying, "We wiped out their military." The celebrations featured a fireworks display that organizers described as the largest in history, with 850,000 fireworks.

Trump further characterized recent developments, saying, "This is only the dawn of the golden age of America." He also described communism as being "like a cancer" and stated, "You got to cut it out fast." Leading up to the main event, thunderstorms on July 4, 2026, forced a temporary evacuation of the National Mall. On the same day, the National Park Service canceled its Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., due to extreme heat. Members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front marched in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2026.

Why It Matters

A Financial Times poll conducted on July 5, 2026, indicated that 58% of American voters believed the war with Iran was not economically worth the cost, while 40% felt the U.S. was in a weaker position after the conflict. However, 31% of voters believed the U.S. was in a stronger position.

The poll also revealed that 66% of American voters thought the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran would have little to no impact on achieving peace in the Middle East. At the time of the speech, 36% of Americans approved of the Trump administration. Forty-four percent of Americans backed the Democratic Party, and 38% backed the Republican Party ahead of the November midterms. Additionally, 53% of Americans believed the U.S. should remain a member of NATO, while 23% favored the U.S. leaving the organization.