https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4K
What you need to know
- World leaders from Germany to India congratulate US on its 250th birthday
- British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’
- Putin hails ‘glorious’ chapters in US-Russia ties, while Zelenskyy likens Ukraine’s struggle to US fight for independence
- Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants in July 4 appeal
- Trump extols America, slams communism on eve of the 250th Independence Day
Here is a roundup of the top developments in theUnited States as the country celebrates its250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026:
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Skip next section British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’Published July 4, 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/5Ga4S
Skip next section Putin hails ‘glorious’ chapters in US-Russia tiesJuly 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/5Ga4V
Skip next section Trump extols US exceptionalism, slams communism on eve of Independence DayJuly 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.”
The United States at 250: Who gets to tell a nation’s story?
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4Z
Skip next section Zelenskyy likens Ukraine war to US fight for independenceJuly 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/5Ga4W
Skip next section Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrantsJuly 4, 2026
Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants
As Americans celebrate 250 years of independence, Pope Leo urged them to welcome and protect immigrants
“To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” he said in a letter sent to the United States
The pope’s appeal came as he visited the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which is a gateway for migrants risking dangerous Mediterranean crossings to reach Europe from Africa
Leo is the Catholic Church’s first US pope
He has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s policies aimed at curtailing migration into the US
The pope called the US administration’s treatment of immigrants “inhuman.”
His stance drew the ire of President Donald Trump
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4N
Skip next section Modi congratulates US and Trump on 250th Independence DayJuly 4, 2026
Modi congratulates US and Trump on 250th Independence Day
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated President Donald Trump and the people of the United States for the 250th Independence Day.
He said India and the US “share more than a strategic partnership,” pointing to “shared belief in democracy, rule of law” and close people-to-people ties
“May the next 250 years bring even greater prosperity, peace and progress for America and take the India-US partnership to new heights,” Modi said in a post on X
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4U
Skip next section German chancellor says trans-Atlantic partnership ‘indispensable’July 4, 2026
German chancellor says trans-Atlantic partnership ‘indispensable’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has congratulated the US on its 250th birthday, saying the country was “founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility” 250 years ago
He said both Germany and the US have since been “bound by a close friendship.”
“Especially in challenging times, our trans-Atlantic partnership remains indispensable,” Merz wrote in a message posted on X
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4a
Skip next section Welcome to our coverageJuly 4, 2026
Welcome to our coverage
Wesley DockeryEditor
The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain on Saturday, July 4
Events are planned across the country to mark the historical milestone. Leaders from around the world are extending their congratulations.
Major celebrations are taking place in cities including New York, Boston and Los Angeles
The capital, Washington, will see a massive fireworks display and military flyovers
President Donald Trump said he will deliver “a really long speech” to mark the occasion
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