©picture alliance / newscom | BOB STRONG
Donald Trump kicked off the U.S. Independence Day celebrations with a fiery speech at Mount Rushmore. Beneath the carved faces of four former presidents, he warned of what he described as a resurgence of the “communist threat” in the United States.
According to Trump, American identity is under pressure from “radicals” and “extremists” who attack the nation’s history. He also linked that message to immigration, arguing that newcomers who embrace communist ideas do not fit into the American way of life. “You can be a communist or a patriot, but not both,” he told his audience in South Dakota.
The speech is part of the festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trump praised American freedom, independence, and culture, and argued that there is no American freedom without American culture. At the same time, he used the platform to promote his political agenda. According to him, Republicans can only win the midterm elections if the so-called filibuster is abolished and his SAVE America Act is passed. That bill would require voters to prove their U.S. citizenship upon registration and to present a valid photo ID when voting. Trump called the upcoming elections crucial and warned that the party can only lose if it allows itself to lose.
Political undertones
The speech comes at a time when Republicans are concerned about the implications of recent electoral successes by progressive Democrats. Trump used these developments to ramp up his anti-communist rhetoric and portray left-wing opponents as a threat to the country. According to U.S. media, his speech sounded less like a traditional Fourth of July address and more like a campaign speech in the run-up to November.
Later on July 4, Trump was also scheduled to speak at the National Mall in Washington, where military flyovers and a large fireworks display are on the program. Due to the heat wave affecting parts of the country, this year’s festivities are taking place in a tense atmosphere.
©picture alliance / newscom | BOB STRONG