WATCH LIVE: Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day eve

Molly ParksJuly 3, 2026

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech in front of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota at around 8:30 p.m. to address Americans, especially in the context of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The White House highlights Trump’s speech as a critically important addition to Mount Rushmore. He will also speak during the “Salute to America” celebration on the National Mall on July 4th. His speech is expected to include themes of American patriotism and a strong stance against Communism, amid political tensions involving socialist candidates winning primaries in some states. Additionally,Trump recently signed pardons for 11 individuals. The event at Mount rushmore features various patriotic displays, flyovers by military aircraft, and attendance by officials and supporters, reflecting a major Independence Day celebration.

President Donald Trump will take the stage in South Dakota to speak to Americans in front of Mount Rushmore at around 8:30 p.m. local time.

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The president will give an Independence Day eve speech that will address what it means to be an American ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, according to Fox News. A White House official told the outlet that Trump’s speech will also include a “fierce rebuke to Communism,” coming during a wave of several socialist candidates winning Democratic primaries in states such as New York and Colorado.

Trump will also address the nation in a speech Saturday night during the “Salute to America” celebration on the National Mall for the Fourth of July.

Attendees take a photo with a man dressed in a George Washington costume at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
An attendee wears an America-themed hat at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, right, greets Interior Secretary Doug Burgum before President Donald Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Rain runs down a sculpture of George Washington at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
A B-52 plane performs a flyover as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks before President Donald Trump at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
Air Force One performs a flyover at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
Air Force One performs a flyover at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, South Dakota. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
Marine One performs a flyover above Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Matt Gade)
Marine One, with President Donald Trump aboard, passes Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Donald Trump Jr., and his wife Bettina Trump, listen before President Donald Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Friday, July 3, 2026, near Keystone, S.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)