Despite temperatures nearing 107°F (41°C), President Donald Trump plans a campaign-style rally on the National Mall featuring military flyovers and what he calls the world's biggest fireworks display. Speaking at Mount Rushmore on Friday, Trump lauded American exceptionalism but warned the nation's identity was "under a renewed attack" from domestic "radicals and extremists." He framed the rise of the left ahead of November's midterms as a "communist menace," though his anti-immigrant rhetoric was somewhat tempered. The president's supporters have even proposed adding his likeness to Mount Rushmore.

For Americans, the 250th is a moment for both celebration and reflection. After centuries of triumphs and tragedies, polls show a sharply divided nation. A Quinnipiac University survey found 61 percent of Americans believe the country isn't living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence — though opinions split along party lines.

Voices from across the country capture the divide. Los Angeles artist Johnny Presley expressed frustration with how the country treats people, while Atlanta educator Karisa Tavassoli acknowledged America's flaws but said its freedoms — speech, religion, safety — are "worthy of protecting." Alonzo Coby of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes celebrated the milestone but reminded: "Native Americans have been here a lot longer than 250 years." (Bssnews)