By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent, Worthy News
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – The yearlong countdown towards America’s 250th birthday has begun with First Lady Melania Trump affectionately joining her husband, President Donald J. Trump, on the White House balcony.
Encouraged by an enthusiastic crowd, she joined in his signature dance, the “Trump Dance,” which he often performed at his campaign rallies to hits like “YMCA.”
It involves rhythmically punching the air and swaying his hips. On Friday night, Trump showed his familiar moves when Melania joined in, waving her open palms and bouncing on her feet, while he watched passionately.
The two even shared a kiss, completing their made-for-TV-and-social-media-moment to end the Fourth of July celebrations.
Spectacular fireworks illuminated the skies over Washington, D.C., in what appeared to be a test run for next year’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration is seen as the birth of the United States of America, inspiring millions to live the American Dream of liberty and the pursuit of happiness as one nation under God.
In a statement, U.S. President Trump recalled that on “July 4, 1776, the cause of American liberty was enshrined in ink when 56 patriots gathered in what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to sign the Declaration of Independence. They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they declared, ‘all men are created equal. ’”
GLORIOUS YEARS
He added, “As we honor 249 glorious years of American independence, we celebrate these rights upon which our nation was built—and we pay tribute to the titans of freedom who risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to secure our sovereignty.”
Trump said that it was in June 1776, “Thomas Jefferson began drafting what would later become one of the core foundational documents of the United States. After 17 days of writing and several days of deliberations, revisions, and scrutiny over every line and every phrase, on July 4, 1776, Jefferson and his fellow signatories formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.”
Though the consequences of their actions were far from certain, the Second Continental Congress “pressed forward with fierce determination, clarity of purpose, and an unshakable faith in God’s divine providence,” Trump added.
“Our Founding Fathers boldly proclaimed ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness’.”
He suggested that despite political and social tensions in the nation, “To this day, these words give life to our Republic, stir the hearts of every citizen, and animate our way of life. The Declaration of Independence was not just a statement of political protest but a revolution in moral and political thought. For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, there has been no greater barrier to tyranny and oppression than these mighty words, rooted in ‘the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God’.”
As America approaches 250 years of independence, “my Administration continues to work tirelessly to revive our sovereignty, restore our strength, and reclaim the sacred ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence,” Trump wrote.
“Today, we summon the courage of every legend of liberty who bravely signed his name to the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago—and we invoke the spirit of 1776 to propel our Nation into a new era of restoration, renewal, confidence, and strength.”
‘PATRIOTISM, INSPIRATION’
Organizers of this weekend’s Fourth of July celebrations had promised “patriotism, excitement, inspiration, and a glimpse into the grand festivities” for next year.
Democrats have questioned Trump’s Salute to America 250 Task Force (“Task Force 250”) to plan a full year of festivities ahead that will continue through July 4th, 2026.
Critics say the Trump administration slashed funding or ousted leadership at federal cultural institutions like the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
At the same time, it has moved to put Trump’s stamp on the little-known bipartisan Task Force 250 to coordinate the national commemoration, installing figures of broadcaster Fox News broadcasters and Trump campaign veterans in key positions, while dropping some contractors with ties to Democrats, critics say.
Yet, the White House made clear it is “engaging and encouraging the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across this country to join in this historic celebration.”
Task Force 250, it said, “invites citizens to have a renewed love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will raise our nation to new heights over the next 250 years.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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