In a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of July 4th, President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore, emphasizing American values and cautioning against what he described as a rising “communist menace.”
Positioned against the iconic backdrop of the carved visages of four previous U.S. leaders, Trump asserted that American identity is currently under siege by communist ideas. He criticized what he termed as “radicals” and “extremists” for assaulting America’s historical narrative.
“Today, we witness a revival of the communist threat within our borders, coming from certain arrivals who support principles that are starkly opposed to our accomplishments and way of life,” stated President Trump. “One can choose to be a communist or a patriot, but never both.”
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“It is not a requirement to be born in this nation, but a love for what we have achieved and for our country is essential,” President Trump expressed to the audience in South Dakota.
Shifting his focus from the perils of communism, the president asserted that the path for Republicans to secure victory in upcoming midterm elections involves dismantling the filibuster. He advocated for the SAVE America Act, which mandates that individuals show proof of U.S. citizenship upon registering to vote and present a valid photo ID when voting.
“As we march into our 250th year, incredible, beautiful year it will be, we must never forget: There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people,” Mr Trump said.
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Describing American culture, Mr. Trump said, “Americans love freedom. We cherish independence, and we know that we are the heirs to the most beautiful land, the most thrilling story, and the most precious legacy on which the sun has ever shined in America. We do not need anyone’s permission to say what we think, and to live as we please, to worship as we choose, or to keep and bear arms.”