Skip next section What you need to know
What you need to know
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Thunderstorms are threatening to spoil celebrations in Washington
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World leaders from Germany to India congratulate US on its 250th birthday
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British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’
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Trump extols America, slams communism on eve of the 250th Independence Day
Here is a roundup of the top developments in the United States as the country celebrates its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026:
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Skip next section WATCH: Divided we celebrate: America’s 250th birthday07/05/2026July 5, 2026
WATCH: Divided we celebrate: America’s 250th birthday
Janelle Dumalaon in Washington DC
As America marks 250 years, record heat has forced some parades to be canceled — but the deeper question is whether the country can still celebrate a common idea of itself.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaPMSkip next section Main Fourth of July event in Washington DC evacuated over storm threat07/05/2026July 5, 2026
Main Fourth of July event in Washington DC evacuated over storm threat
Thousands of attendees are being told to seek shelter in buildings near the National Mall as thunderstorms gather near Washington DC.
“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.
The evacuation was ordered on Saturday evening just a few hours before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver a campaign rally-style address to a huge crowd.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaM3Skip next section Brutal heat disrupts America’s 250th birthday celebrations07/05/2026July 5, 2026
Brutal heat disrupts America’s 250th birthday celebrations
Our Washington correspondent Misha Komadovsky explained how a dangerous heat wave is disrupting the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaLjSkip next section WATCH: 250 years US global policy: Isolationism or interventionism?07/05/2026July 5, 2026
WATCH: 250 years US global policy: Isolationism or interventionism?
For 250 years, US foreign policy has shaped global affairs through both military intervention and diplomacy.
But is it really as simple as a story of isolation versus intervention?
DW examines the debate, drawing on data showing more than 500 US interventions from the 1800s to today.
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https://p.dw.com/p/5GaHPSkip next section Putin spoke to Trump by phone about Ukraine, says Kremlin07/05/2026July 5, 2026
Putin spoke to Trump by phone about Ukraine, says Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Saturday with his US counterpart Donald Trump, the Kremlin said.
Both leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled to take place on July 7-8.
“The presidents naturally addressed the issue of a settlement in Ukraine, taking into account, in particular, Donald Trump’s upcoming participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8,” said Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin’s foreign policy aide, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
He said Putin gave Trump a realistic assessment of the battlefield situation in Ukraine.
The Kremlin official added that, during the nearly 90-minute call, Trump offered to help find a solution to the war.
The statement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier said he had a “very good phone call” with Trump where they discussed the current state of the war.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaJ1Skip next section IN DEPTH: How the US shaped the world: 250 years of power and policies07/05/2026July 5, 2026
IN DEPTH: How the US shaped the world: 250 years of power and policies
Gianna-Carina Grün | Peter Hille
“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” were the “unalienable Rights” centered when the founders of the United States declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.
In the 250 years since, US governments have claimed that preserving the ideals of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms are the main motivators of the country’s foreign policy.
DW examined how the country’s foreign policy objectives and tactics have changed since.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaHOSkip next section Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate lights up in red, white and blue to mark the US’s 250th anniversary07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate lights up in red, white and blue to mark the US’s 250th anniversary
The Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, was illuminated in the red, white and blue colors of the US flag on Saturday evening to honor 250 years of US independence.
“As a symbol of unity and freedom, the Brandenburg Gate powerfully reflects our shared values on July 4,” Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner said in a statement.
“Berlin warmly congratulates the United States on its 250th birthday,” he added.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also issued a statement, saying that the anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence was a cause for celebration even for Germany.
“The values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence formed the foundation of free and democratic post-war Germany,” Wadephul said.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaHESkip next section IN PICTURES: Americans celebrate the US’ 250th Independence Day07/04/2026July 4, 2026
IN PICTURES: Americans celebrate the US’ 250th Independence Day
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaGMSkip next section Zelenskyy says had a ‘very good phone call’ with Trump07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Zelenskyy says had a ‘very good phone call’ with Trump
Dmytro Hubenko Editor
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had called US President Donald Trump to congratulate him and all Americans on the US’ 250th Independence Day.
Describing it as a “very good phone call,” Zelenskyy said Ukraine was grateful to the US for all the assistance it received to support its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
“I am grateful to every American heart that cares about the future of Ukraine, Europe, and everyone around the world for whom freedom matters,” the Ukrainian leader posted on X.
Zelenskyy said he had also discussed with Trump the current state of the war.
“There is a real prospect to put an end to this war, and America’s resolve is decisive. We have agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara,” he said.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GaEpSkip next section US vice president slams critics on America’s 250th birthday07/04/2026July 4, 2026
US vice president slams critics on America’s 250th birthday
US Vice President JD Vance has lambasted people who criticize the United States’ “imperfections” in a lengthy speech he delivered to mark the 250th Independence Day.
“You will hear a couple small but loud voices today speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections,” Vance said, speaking aboard an amphibious assault ship — the USS Kearsarge — in New York Harbor.
“They will talk about America’s sins with the anger and zeal of a brimstone preacher, but without any of the grace or forgiveness that must be present in the Christian faith,” the vice president added, stressing that these critics “misunderstand the essence of America.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga7RSkip next section Former living US presidents laud democratic values on Independence Day07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Former living US presidents laud democratic values on Independence Day
All four former living presidents of the United States have issued statements commemorating 250 years of US independence.
Former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat who was in office from 1993 to 2001, said this anniversary milestone comes at a time of “renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself.”
While critical of “the people in charge,” he said in a statement that “there is still nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what’s right with America.”
His successor, George W. Bush, a Republican, said, “July 4 is a chance to celebrate our independence and our freedoms.”
“I view the freedoms we cherish, the freedom to worship the way you want to worship, the freedom for the press to hold the powerful to account, the freedom to vote, the freedom to realize dreams, as values that can unite us as we head for the next 250 years,” he said in a video message on X.
Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, underlined that the United States is “a constant work in progress.”
“Every generation must take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it further — protecting what’s right, fixing what’s wrong, and making our union a little more perfect,” he said, adding: “250 years later, that’s more important than ever.”
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States who served from January 2021 to early 2025, said in a statement that “there’s nothing guaranteed about our democracy.”
“We have to fight for it, defend it, and earn it. Over and over, year after year. That’s not a burden. That’s what it means to be an American.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga7ESkip next section British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’Published 07/04/2026Published July 4, 2026last updated 07/04/2026last updated July 4, 2026
British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’
Britain’s King Charles III congratulated President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of US independence.
He also praised the close ties between the US and the UK despite their turbulent beginnings.
“This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere,” the monarch wrote in his message.
“It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two and a half centuries, and to honor all that has been achieved since 1776.”
“As we look ahead to the next 250 years, I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values,” including liberty and the rule of law, he added.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4SSkip next section Putin hails ‘glorious’ chapters in US-Russia ties07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Putin hails ‘glorious’ chapters in US-Russia ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence.
He also praised what he described as centuries of cooperation between the two countries, saying that there have been “many glorious” chapters in the 250-year history of relations between the two sides.
“We were allies in two world wars, together we freed humanity from the horrors of Nazism, and then played a vital role in laying the foundations of the modern world order,” Putin said in a message published by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“And today, Russia and the United States — as the two largest nuclear powers — bear a special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4VSkip next section Trump extols US exceptionalism, slams communism on eve of Independence Day 07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Trump extols US exceptionalism, slams communism on eve of Independence Day
Speaking on the eve of the 250th Independence Day, US President Donald Trump warned his compatriots against communist ideology.
“There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success,” he said during a speech in South Dakota.
“We’re not going to let this happen.”
He also lauded US exceptionalism and praised the country’s past leaders.
On Saturday, Trump was scheduled to deliver another speech at the National Mall ahead of a massive fireworks show to celebrate the Independence Day.
The president said he’s “going to make a really long speech — just to show that I can do anything.”
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https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4ZSkip next section Zelenskyy likens Ukraine war to US fight for independence07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Zelenskyy likens Ukraine war to US fight for independence
Congratulating the US on its 250th Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew parallels between the US’ struggle for independence and Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion.
Just as Americans fought for their independence, Ukraine is now fighting for its sovereignty and freedom, Zelenskyy said.
Noting that the US had helped free the world from “tyrants” in the last century, he underlined: “Now, in the 21st century, America’s influence and importance are certainly no less.”
“And we see that particularly clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and our people’s right to happiness with much the same hope, the same purpose, and the same determination with which Americans won and defended their own independence.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4WShow more posts
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