Donald Trump Delivers Patriotic Speech at Salute to America Celebration

On Saturday, July 5, 2026, Donald Trump took to the stage at the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to deliver a 40-minute speech that was as much a tribute to America’s history as it was a call to action against communism.

Trump began his speech by presenting a bit of history, including a display of the earliest American flags and introducing World War II and Vietnam veterans, a veteran Apollo astronaut, and the Artemis crew. He also touted the stock market, claiming that more than $19 trillion has been invested in the U.S., a figure that FactCheck.org has disputed.

“There is no place we cannot go, there is no goal we cannot reach, and there is nothing Americans cannot do,” Trump declared, before turning his attention to the communist threat. “Communism is a loser, and it always will be,” he said, in an apparent reference to the victories of Democratic Socialists in recent Democratic primaries.

Trump’s speech was not without controversy, however, as he also pushed for the passage of the Save America Act, which would require a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. The legislation would likely die in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome the threat of a filibuster.

The speech was delayed due to severe weather, which forced the evacuation of the National Mall. Trump had initially planned to speak at 7 p.m. ET, but the storms moved in around 5 p.m. ET, prompting officials to advise attendees to seek shelter.

Despite the delays, Trump remained undeterred, taking to social media to express his determination to deliver the speech. “Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting!” he posted on Truth Social.

When asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier if he would still speak despite the weather, Trump replied, “I don’t care. It’s America 250. If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech and we can keep this program going.”

As the storm passed, Trump took to the stage, introducing the veterans and astronauts who had gathered to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. He also called for the passage of the Save America Act, which would require a passport or birth certificate to register to vote.

“We are the greatest nation in the history of the world,” Trump declared, before turning his attention to the communist threat. “Communism is a loser, and it always will be,” he said, in an apparent reference to the victories of Democratic Socialists in recent Democratic primaries.

Trump’s speech was not without controversy, however, as he also pushed for the passage of the Save America Act, which would require a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. The legislation would likely die in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome the threat of a filibuster.

Despite the controversy, Trump’s speech was met with applause from the gathered crowd, who had braved the storm to hear the former president’s words.

“There is no place we cannot go, there is no goal we cannot reach, and there is nothing Americans cannot do,” Trump declared, as the crowd erupted in cheers.

As the speech came to a close, Trump took to the stage once more, thanking the veterans and astronauts for their service and patriotism. “We are the greatest nation in the history of the world,” he declared, before turning his attention to the communist threat.

“Communism is a loser, and it always will be,” he said, in an apparent reference to the victories of Democratic Socialists in recent Democratic primaries.

Trump’s speech was a fitting tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, as he called for unity and patriotism in the face of adversity.

“We are the greatest nation in the history of the world,” he declared, as the crowd erupted in cheers.