USA celebrate 250 years of independence with grand fireworks and political congratulations from Germany

President Trump, meanwhile, wants to deliver a speech at the announced nearly 42 degrees Celsius. At the announced nearly 42 degrees Celsius, Trump intends to speak "really long," "just to show that I can do anything." In the US capital Washington, there are a series of events spread throughout the day.

Trump's speech in extreme heat

At the park, the "Great American State Fair" exhibition also invites visitors to get an overview of all US states. The states presented themselves on the grounds with booths and information. The diversity of the country was meant to become directly tangible for visitors.

The US president received congratulations from Germany. Chancellor Merz congratulated Trump on the 250th. In a telephone call, the Chancellor had "underlined the special bond between Germans and Americans," government spokesperson Kornelius announced. Merz also discussed the future of the Western alliance, according to the statement.

Congratulations from Berlin

NATO must become "more European so that it can remain transatlantic," Merz said, according to the statement. With this formulation, the Chancellor linked the congratulations with a political message about burden-sharing within the alliance. The telephone call was part of a series of similar congratulations from European leading politicians.

In addition to the Chancellor, President Steinmeier also spoke up. 250 years of the USA are a promise of freedom, justice, and self-determination. With this tribute, the German head of state pointed to the significance of the Declaration of Independence for German democracy in the 20th century in terms of the history of ideas. Conversely, Germany's path to democracy in the 20th century would hardly have been conceivable without the American exemplary character of the 1776 Declaration.

Historical dimension of the anniversary

The reporting on the celebrations was broadcast on July 4, 2026 on the program Deutschlandfunk. The anniversary thus also found a prominent place in German media coverage. Listeners were able to follow the congratulations from Berlin and the program from Washington on the radio.

Overall, the celebrations in Washington combined symbolic gestures with concrete entertainment. The mix of historical tribute, military flight demonstrations with Air Force One, exhibition, and grand fireworks at the Reflecting Pool was intended to make the festive day tangible for a broad audience. Despite the announced temperatures of nearly 42 degrees Celsius, the organizers expected a large crowd along the National Mall and on the banks of the Potomac River.