Trump warns on national cohesion marking US 250th anniversary

Warning on national unity

US President Donald Trump on Saturday marked the nation's 250th Independence Day with a stark warning on national cohesion, calling for fair elections and a free press while claiming current institutions fall short of that standard. In a letter shared by the New York Post, Trump stated that "in a spirit of generosity and with an expectation of cohesion, generations of Americans welcomed people from all corners of the globe to join them," adding that this tradition remains central to the national identity.

The former president warned that "we all had winning and cohesion in common — but this is a warning: We must not lose the cohesion," emphasizing the fragility of national unity. He stressed that Americans must remain "strong, powerful and honest" for the sake of the country and the world, according to the publication.

Attacks on elections and press

Trump used the occasion to level sharp criticism at the nation's electoral and media systems, claiming that essential democratic safeguards are currently absent. "We must have fair elections and a free and fair press, which we don't have right now," he said.

Speaking about national unity, Trump emphasized that Americans constitute "one family and one nation," united under the same flag and shared freedoms. "Whenever our way of life has been threatened, we have responded," he noted, framing the holiday as a moment of collective resilience.

Rally on National Mall

The president is scheduled to hold a political rally on the National Mall in Washington as part of the patriotic holiday commemorations, which traditionally feature fireworks and parades across the country. "We are Americans. We never give in, we never give up, and our country is only going to get better than ever before," Trump said.

The Independence Day celebrations come as the administration faces scrutiny over its approach to electoral integrity and media relations, with Saturday's remarks reinforcing themes that have dominated Trump's recent political messaging.