President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, on the eve of Independence Day, local time on the 3rd. In his speech, he called on Americans to defend the freedoms advocated by the founding fathers 250 years ago, and described some Democrats in the United States as forces posing a "communist threat." This speech came at a time when inflation was high in the United States, and ongoing military actions between the United States and Israel continued to cause public dissatisfaction. Analysts believe that Trump used this opportunity to play the "anti-communist" and "anti-immigration" card, attempting to prepare for the Republican Party's midterm elections.
According to Reuters, Trump stood in front of the Mount Rushmore with the heads of four former U.S. presidents and declared loudly, "We stand under the monument of these heroes. They are a truly incredible group of people. We resolve once again to build a country that is as strong, brave, noble, and great as those great Americans. It won’t be easy, but we will definitely do it."
Furthermore, it was stated: "Nowadays, the threat of communism is making a comeback in our country. This includes some new immigrants who have come to America. Their beliefs are completely contrary to our way of life and the great achievements we have made. We will never allow such things to happen."
Trump Reuters
He further stated: “Communism is a deadly threat to American freedom. It is the greatest threat the United States has faced, even surpassing World War I, World War II, the Pearl Harbor incident, and the ‘9/11’ terrorist attacks.”
Trump also linked "anti-communist" rhetoric to the issue of anti-immigration, stating that threats come from "new immigrants who come to our country," and said these people should be deported.
Meanwhile, a far-right group also held a demonstration in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, on that day. According to CNN, dozens of members of the masked white-nationalist organization ‘Patriot Front’ marched in Washington that day. Some of them carried flags representing the Confederate States of America and briefly moved near the Capitol Building. At that time, a large crowd was gathering in National Mall, waiting for Trump to deliver a speech on Independence Day.
According to anti-extremism researchers cited by CNN, the 'Patriot Front' is considered one of the most active white supremacist organizations in the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a U.S.-based civil rights organization, has listed it as a hate group. Members of this organization often dress together, wear masks, carry shields and flags, and organize highly organized parades in various locations across the United States.
He said, “We solemnly swear, so that everyone may hear: The American people will quickly defeat communism… We will quickly drive them out, and continue to build our country into a bigger, better, and stronger nation. America will never become a communist country!”
The masked members of the American white nationalist organization Patriot Front took the subway in Washington D.C. on Saturday, according to CNN.
During his speech, Trump also spoke highly of America’s historical achievements, claiming that America “has built the most powerful and influential military in the world,” “won two world wars,” and stating that the Cold War had driven America’s enemies “deep into history.” When discussing recent military actions, he made even more astonishing claims, stating that America “defeated Venezuela in just one day” and “defeated Iran completely.”
However, this “military achievements” propaganda falls far short of what ordinary Americans actually experience. According to Al Jazeera, while Trump was speaking, American citizens were facing the pressures of high inflation and high oil prices. As military actions between the United States and Israel against Iran continue, economic issues have become the top concern for voters. When discussing Iran, Trump claimed that Iran was “desperate to reach an agreement.” The reason the U.S. delayed further actions was because “we were generous enough to give them a week to handle their funeral affairs”—this statement immediately sparked widespread controversy.
The Air Force One soars over President Trump's Mountain in Social Media
Last week, four progressive candidates, including three democratic socialists, won the Democratic primary elections in New York City. This week, another candidate won the primary election in Colorado. In addition, progressive candidates also won party elections in Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Trump previously described these victories as "the greatest threat to America since its founding."
Reuters noted that while Trump made these remarks, the American public continues to suffer from high inflation and high energy prices. As the military conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran continues, these issues have become focal points for voters. Republicans also worry that this situation could affect the outcome of the mid-term elections in November.
The Associated Press believes that Trump originally planned to begin his speech by praising the 'American exceptionalism' and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. However, he quickly shifted to a partisan political speech, which heavily emphasized the so-called 'communist threat'.
According to reports, although similar statements have appeared multiple times in Trump’s public speeches recently, the choice of venue for this speech at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Park, which symbolizes the American national spirit, has special political significance. Compared with previous presidents like Ford and Reagan, who delivered speeches on Independence Day emphasizing national unity and downplaying party differences, Trump’s speech clearly deviates from this tradition.
The Associated Press also noted that Trump's rhetoric reminded people of the "Red Scare" period in the 1950s in the United States. At that time, Joseph McCarthy served as a U.S. senator who, under the pretext of "anti-communism," sparked a wave of terror in America. This caused widespread fear among Americans, and many people suspected of having communist tendencies were investigated and persecuted, from Washington to Hollywood. They were listed on industry blacklists. "McCarthyism" had a negative and profound impact on American society and even on world peace.
Joseph McCarthy
While Trump was delivering his speech, New York City’s Democratic Mayor, Mamdani, also gave a speech on Independence Day. Although he didn’t specifically mention Trump, his speech was widely regarded as a response to Trump’s political statements.
Mamdani said that generations of Americans have been taught that “the world does not send the best people to America.” However, the ideals upon which America was founded are strong enough to withstand any challenge from authoritarianism, provided that these values are always upheld. He described America as a country that is “full of contradictions, yet continues to improve towards its founding ideals every day.”
According to reports, around the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, two organizations with different ideologies are leading separate celebration events. “Freedom250”, which has close ties to the White House, is responsible for several official celebrations in Washington, including the “Great American State Fair”. On the other hand, “America250”, established ten years ago by the U.S. Congress and with bipartisan support, is responsible for commemorative events in many cities including New York. It plans to hold a large-scale commemorative concert in Los Angeles. This is seen as reflecting how current political polarization has extended into national commemorations.
Meanwhile, American people have varying feelings about the 250th anniversary of the founding of their country. According to a poll conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Public Affairs Research Center in April this year, approximately 40% of American adults said they are “proud” of the 250th anniversary of the United States, while about 30% said they are “excited.” A significant proportion of respondents remained indifferent.
Several ordinary citizens interviewed by the Associated Press also reflected this sense of division. Joe Fucquaro-Belhanarno, a car technician from Tulsa, Kansas, believes that what America should be proud of is not politics, but the resilience shown by the people in the face of challenges. "We must find ways to unite with each other."
From Cambridge, Massachusetts, 25-year-old research assistant Zhou Kristiina said that compared to national politics, she was more willing to focus on local affairs that she could influence, “At least it feels like I'm in control."
The 55-year-old resident of Newcastle, Washington, Jerry Qin said that he didn’t even know that this year marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. On Independence Day, he planned to stay at home and keep his pet, who is afraid of fireworks. He believes that the United States “is still a great country,” but issues related to healthcare, health, and politics are cause for concern. As a Democrat supporter, he admitted that he “has lost some hope” and doesn’t know if there will be any changes in the future.
