France 24 is reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump hailed America as the "crowning achievement of human history" during a Fourth of July speech celebrating 250 years of U.S. independence in Washington. It said Trump used the event to renew his attack on domestic opponents, whom he branded "communists."
The outlet reported that Trump, 80, claimed the United States was "prouder than ever before" under his presidency. His speech, delivered to tens of thousands on the National Mall, was delayed by several hours due to approaching thunderstorms that prompted evacuation orders. Trump honored veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, framing the latter two as battles against "communists." He stated that "Our warriors did not fight communism on battlefields across the world only to have that menace rear its ugly head right back here in America. We're not going to let it happen."
France 24 said a Quinnipiac University Poll indicated 61 percent of Americans believe the U.S. was not living up to the Enlightenment ideals of the Declaration of Independence. The report noted that Trump's prominent role in the anniversary celebrations highlighted deep divisions, with masked men carrying Confederate flags and white supremacist logos gathering near Capitol Hill. Trump also boasted of recent military campaigns against Iran and Venezuela. The event concluded with a large fireworks display, which Trump promised would be the world's largest. Attendees braved a record 103°F (39.4°C) heatwave in the capital.