Summary

  • The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday with nationwide events, including a series of concerts and fireworks displays - what's still to come

  • Privilege, free, evolving, tense and a bit divided - we've asked US citizens what it means to be an American in 2026

  • The National Weather Service has issued a "severe thunderstorm watch" for the Washington DC area as temperatures of over 100F (38C) cause celebration disruptions

  • Also in Washington DC, President Donald Trump will also speak at what has been billed as a "spectacular rally" on the National Mall

  • Trump has been accused of politicising the celebrations - in a Mount Rushmore speech last night he said that the "American identity [is] under a renewed attack"

  • His second term in the White House will see some historic national events but the 250th independence anniversary seems to be of particular interest to Trump, writes our North America correspondent

Live Reporting

Edited by Rorey Bosotti

  1. Trump downplays heat impact on celebrations as he says 'crowds in DC are incredible'

    Bernd Debusmann Jr
    White House reporter

    We've just heard from Donald Trump on Truth Social, where he directly addresses the sweltering weather that the US capital is experiencing.

    "Despite the heat, which isn't as bad as predicted, the crowds in DC are incredible," he writes. "The love of our country has never been stronger."

    He also addresses the aerial flyovers, which he describes as "at a level never seen before", as well as his remarks later and the Reflecting Pool, which he says "looks great" despite "vandal thugs" he claims defaced it.

    It's still about 101F (38C) outside in DC.

    Ahead of the event, various US outlets reported that the celebration's organisers and the White House were concerned that the high temperatures might prompt many would-be attendees to stay home.

    Trump, it should be noted, has long been preoccupied with crowd sizes, on which he frequently comments.

    This stretches back as far as his first inauguration in 2017, when the size of the crowd became the source of considerable debate.

  2. US capital region under 'severe thunderstorm watch'

    Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu
    Reporting from Washington

    Washington DC is already facing extreme heat conditions that have severely impacted some activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary. It's currently 101F (38C) but the feels-like temperature is 104F (40C).

    Now, the National Weather Service has issued a "severe thunderstorm watch" advisory that could further complicate tonight's main events. "Frequent lightning possible," the advisory says.

    The advisory is in place until 22:00 local time (3:00 BST) for now and US President Donald Trump is due to lead the anniversary's ceremony later tonight. He is scheduled to speak at around 21:45 local time followed by a mammoth fireworks display.

    Already, some areas in the capitol region have cancelled some planned events. The city of Annapolis has cancelled its Independence Day Parade and a concert. A pyrotechnics display will go ahead but may be delayed, its emergency services department says.

  3. Time capsule buried containing a diamond, some sand and an AI prediction of the future

    The America 250 time capsule, which will be buried on July 4, 2026 and reopened in 2276, at Independence National Historical Park near Independence Hall on July 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.Getty Images

    The America 250 time capsule was buried earlier today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to be sealed for 250 years

    Earlier today, a time capsule was buried near Independence Hall in Philadelphia to mark the the US' 250th birthday.

    The plan is for it to be re-opened in exactly 250 years' time - on 4 July, 2276.

    Included in the capsule are a diamond mined in Alaska, poems from several different states, a set of gambling chips from Nevada and a vial of sand from New Mexico.

    A print off of the answer California-based Claude AI gave when asked to predict what California would be like in 2276 is also inside.

    "There is something profoundly humbling about this task," said America 250's executive vice president Jennifer Condon at the event.

    "Most of us spend our lives looking back, to honour those that came before, or looking ahead to tomorrow's challenges... but today asks us to image Americans that we will never meet."

  4. Hundreds of thousands left without power during heatwave

    Nearly 750,000 people are without power in the east of the US as the country continues to experience extreme weather.

    Over 350,000 homes are without power in Michigan while other 150,000 have been affected in New Jersey, according to tracker Power Outage.

    Energy company DTE says that severe weather, including winds of over 60mph (97kmph), in Michigan on Friday evening caused widespread power outages.

    Other states which are affected include Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Wisconsin.

  5. Fireworks, flyovers and football: A reminder of the events taking place on 4 July

    A fence near the Washington Monument has signs saying 'danger explosives' and 'coming to you on July 4'Getty Images

    Fireworks are set up ahead of what is being dubbed the 'world's largest firework display' near the Washington Monument

    Events are taking place in living rooms and stadiums across the United States as the country celebrates its 250th birthday.

    Fireworks, flyovers and a "really long" speech from US President Donald Trump are all part of the plans.

    Here's a reminder of some of the biggest celebrations taking place in the US to mark its 250th anniversary:

    • Military flyovers have been taking place in Washington DC since 13:15 local time (18:15 BST) and are set to continue well past sunset - one is expected to include Trump's new Air Force One
    • Trump will head to Washington DC's National Mall for the Freedom 250 celebrations, where he has promised to deliver a "really long speech" despite the ongoing heatwave. The "world's largest fireworks display" will follow Trump's speech, organisers say
    • Musicians will be performing across the US as part of the celebrations including: Ne-Yo and Mary J Blinge in New York City's Times Square, The Smashing Pumpkins and Chaka Khan in Los Angeles and Christina Aguilera and Will Smith in Philadelphia
    • A special flyover will take place over Philadelphia Stadium before France's match against Paraguay in the football World Cup at 17:00 local time (22:00 BST)
    • As part of the America 250 celebrations communities across the country are taking part in "America's Block Party" and hosting local gatherings

  6. A relatively quiet day so far for Trump ahead of his Independence Day speech

    Bernd Debusmann Jr
    White House reporter

    US President Donald Trump in a black suit waves as he boards Air Force OneAFP via Getty Images

    It's a scorching hot day in Washington DC, where temperatures are currently sitting at a toasty 98.6F (37C).

    The streets seem empty, and the only sign that today is July 4th that I've noticed is the extremely loud roar of military aircraft participating in a seemingly endless flyover, for a second day in a row.

    For President Trump, it's so far been a relatively quiet day, with only a few Truth Social posts.

    Partly, this is likely because he only arrived back to the White House at about 04:00 local time (09:00 BST) this morning following his trip to Mount Rushmore yesterday.

    We will, however, see him later. He's expected to head down to the celebrations in the evening and deliver remarks at approximately 21:45 local time (02:45 BST).

    Trump has billed tonight as a "spectacular" rally and promised a "really long" speech, despite the warm weather.

    I'll be tagging along with the president when he leaves the White House later and we will be bringing you updates throughout the course of the celebration.

  7. Analysis

    Trump inserts himself into the centre of America's birthday celebrations

    Anthony Zurcher
    North America correspondent

    American flags are planted in the ground in front of a banner of U.S. President Donald Trump, hanging from the U.S. Department of Labor building, ahead of July 4th festivities on July 03, 2026,Getty Images

    Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump frequently has reflected on how his four-year break from the presidency means that he now is serving a second term during historic national events.

    This includes the current World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and today's celebrations for the US' 250th birthday.

    The last of these, with its red-white-and-blue pageantry dripping with patriotic pride, seems to be of particular interest to the president.

    While the US Congress established an "America 250" commission to oversee the celebrations a decade ago, Trump-backed groups formed a competing, privately funded "Freedom 250" committee to host their own events.

    The current list includes the state fair on the National Mall, a UFC fight at the White House, an IndyCar Grand Prix through the streets of Washington and what Trump is billing as the world's largest fireworks display later today.

    The president frequently boasts of these events on social media - including through AI-generated images of him waving a green flag to kick off the street race, and standing in front of an octagon fighting ring by the White House, flanked by lightning.

  8. What does it mean to be an American in 2026?

    The BBC asked US citizens across the country - including in California, New York, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts and Washington DC - about how they identify in the lead up to America's 250th anniversary.

    Watch: What does it mean to be an American in 2026?

  9. Soldiers and citizens try to keep cool during 4 July heatwave

    Americans have been trying to keep cool as they celebrate their country's 250th birthday during a sweltering heatwave.

    On the National Mall in Washington volunteers have been keeping bottles of water in buckets of ice and handing them to members of the public. Some people have been using cowboy hats and umbrellas to stay out of the sun.

    As we reported a bit earlier, the highest temperatures are expected in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, where the mercury could reach 108F (42C).

    A woman wearing a rucksack on her front is handed a bottle of war that had been being kept cool in a bucket of iceGetty Images

    Staff hand out water to people as they arrive to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC

    A crowd of people, some with umbrellas, others with cowboy hats, stand around. The Washington Memorial can be seen in the backgroundGetty Images

    People wait to enter the fair in the heat

    A girl wearing a US themed swimming costume plays in a fountain during the heatwaveReuters

    In New York, children have been using fountains to cool off as temperatures reach 96.8F (36C)

    A soldier drinks a bottle of water. He is wearing sunglasses and a white hat with his military outfitGetty Images

    A member of the military drinks some water to cool off on the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor

  10. Fireworks displays cancelled over wildfire fears in Colorado

    Bright red flames and thick smoke are seen on grass lands in the Aspen Acres in Rye, ColoradoGetty Images

    A fire burns through the Aspen Acres in Rye, Colorado on Friday

    Some firework displays in Colorado have been cancelled due to a risk of wildfires breaking out.

    Colorado Springs, Douglas County, Arvada, Durango and Vail have called off their fireworks due to dry conditions and concerns about high winds, reports the BBC's US news partner CBS News.

    It comes after three firefighters were killed and two were injured while battling massive wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border on 27 June.

    Colorado's Division of Fire Prevention & Control has also asked residents to skip personal fireworks and camp fires during 4 July celebrations.

  11. Heat peak expected as East Coast braces for potentially severe thunderstorms

    Simon King
    Lead weather presenter, BBC Weather

    The dangerous heatwave continues for Independence Day across central and eastern areas of the US.

    Extreme temperatures of over 100F (38C) are expected widely from North Carolina up through the mid-Atlantic to New York but when you add in the high humidity, it will feel like 113F (45C) for many.

    Many local records have already been broken, including overnight minimum temperatures.

    The highest temperatures on Saturday though are most likely in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey with air temperatures up to 108F (42C).

    For Sunday, the hottest conditions will shift further south into Virginia and the Carolinas and Monday - still getting up into 100F (39C).

    As the heat peaks elsewhere, thunderstorms are in the forecast over the next few days, which could be severe, bringing some flash flooding.

    This may be especially the case in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virgina where up to 8 inches (200mm) of rain could fall locally.

  12. Exceptional temperatures wreak havoc for Independence Day celebrations

    Peter Bowes
    North America correspondent

    A man and a woman covered head to toe in American-themed clothing sit on a park bench in the shade. The man is holding an electric fan pointed towards his face, while the woman uses a paper fan on herself. They are both wearing sunglasses and hats to combat the hot weather.Getty Images

    It's always hot on the Fourth of July in America's capital, but this year's temperatures are exceptional.

    The intense heat and humidity have forced the cancellation of Independence Day parades in both Washington and Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

    On Washington's National Mall, organisers have delayed the opening of the public entry gates to reduce the amount of time people spend waiting in the brutal weather before the evening celebrations.

    Despite the conditions, President Trump has promoted the event as a "spectacular rally" and has even joked that he'll deliver a "really long speech" to prove he can "do anything" during the heatwave.

    But the president has been accused by his opponents of politicising the anniversary celebrations.

    Speaking last night at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, he warned of what he called a resurgence of "the communist menace" and criticised "newcomers" whom he said embraced ideas opposed to the American way of life.

  13. Closed roads, fenced off areas, and bags of fireworks - preparations in Washington DC

    A view looking down 14th Street NW along the National Mall. Several large trucks are spread across the road lengthways at two different points along the street. Rows of metal barriers are seen at the fore front as people walk along a zebra crossing behind them. Rows of trees line each side of the road, next to blocks of large high rise buildings.Getty Images

    14th Street NW along the National Mall is closed to traffic ahead of the celebrations later tonight

    A group of five people are stood next to fencing that surrounds the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. One person to the right appears to be taking a picture of the pool, while what appears to be a family of four stand to the left. The Washington monument is seen in the distance on the other side of the reflecting pool.EPA

    Fences erected in preparation for the large fireworks display surround the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

    Several black bags have placed in rows on stone paving on the right side walkway of the Reflecting Pool in Washington. There is also a long line of black bags, which seem to be made from a different material, placed right on the edge of the Reflecting Pool. The base of the Washington Monument is seen in the distance behind a stage.Getty Images

    Fireworks have been set up along the side of the Reflecting Pool ahead of the display

    Three pontoons pictured floating in a line in the Potomac River. They are each carrying dozens of black bags, which have been arranged in rows and supposedly contain fireworks. At the nearest pontoon, two small boats are pushing it from the right, while another small boat is pushing from the left. A bridge can be seen in the far distance crossing the river.EPA

    Tonight's display will see fireworks launched from 10 sites across the city, including eight barges on the Potomac River

  14. White supremacist group gathers amid 4 July celebrations

    Members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front loads US flags into a van in Washington. Behind them is a larger group of men who appear to be lined up in unison. They are all wearing white balaclavas, sunglasses and hats, with dark blue shirts and beige trousers.Reuters

    Members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front have descended on Washington amid the celebrations for America's 250th birthday.

    A large group of men, many wearing white balaclavas, sunglasses and caps bearing the group's logo, were seen carrying US flags while marching on unison through the streets.

    Patriot Front was formed in 2017 after the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

    The group's manifesto calls for the formation of a white ethnostate in the US, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups.

    Several groups reflecting a range of political views have sought to use this year's anniversary to spread their own ideas of American identity. Trump himself has been accused by Democrats of hijacking the celebration to further his political agenda.

    Last night, the president used a speech at Mount Rushmore to attack what he called "the communist menace" and claim American identity is "under a renewed attack".

    Patriot Front founder Thomas Rousseau wearing a large brimmed beige hat, partially unbottoned blue shirt and beige khakis surrounded by members of the group in matching outfitsGetty Images

    Patriot Front founder Thomas Rousseau was seen gathering with members of the white supremacist group at Eastern Market train station, close to Capitol Hill

  15. All of us will need to do our part to create the next 250 years of American greatness - Vance

    JD Vance delivers a speech on the USS Kearsarge. The Statue of Liberty and a boat with red sails can be seen behind himReuters

    We can now bring you some more from Vice-President JD Vance, who has asked his fellow Americans to reject the "two dimensional view" of their citizens and country.

    US history is built on "carving a great civilisation out of the wilderness", he says as he adds that everything the US has done, it has done together - not as citizens divided against each other.

    Vance says that all US citizens have played their part before referencing the US' role in World War Two and when its astronauts went to the moon.

    "All of us have a part, all of us had our part... All of us will need to do our part to create the next 250 years of American greatness," he adds.

    He says he is proud of all Americans and says happy birthday to the nation before wrapping up.

  16. King Charles hails US-UK relationship ahead of 250th birthday celebrations

    On the other side of the Atlantic, King Charles has hailed the relationship between the US and the UK in a message commemorating the US's 250th birthday.

    "Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people," His Majesty says in a statement shared on X.

    "I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values," he adds. "The connection between our people is one I trust will only grow stronger."

    King Charles III and US President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington DC, on day two of the state visit to the US, on 28 April 2026PA Media

  17. 'Today we celebrate 250 years of America facing the future without fear,' says Vance

    US Vice president JD Vance in a blue suit, red tie and white shirt, delivers a speech aboard USS Kearsarge in New York HarborGetty Images

    Vice President JD Vance has thanked President Donald Trump as he delivers a speech on USS Kearsarge in New York City.

    He says the US celebrates 250 years of "American daring and American naval excellence".

    "Today we celebrate 250 years of America, facing the future without fear. We celebrate 250 years of proving what a free people can achieve," he says.

    Vance pays tribute to the US' sailors, police officers, emergency workers as well as the dozens of Navy chiefs who are visiting the country from around the world.

    He then proceeds to read the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self evidence that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights and among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

    Vance says that 250 years later these words remind US citizens who they are as a people, noting that the words still carry tremendous power.

  18. Vance speaking aboard amphibious assault ship in New York Harbor

    The USS Kearsarge sits in the New York City harbor ahead of the International Naval Review on July 4, 2026 in New York CityGetty Images

    USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship launched in 1992, will be where JD Vance will make his address to mark the 250 years of independence

    Vice-President JD Vance is kicking off celebrations this morning with a speech aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor.

    • You can watch live at the top of this page

    Officials say the USS Kearsarge will be the "centrepiece" of the day's festivities in the harbour, with Vance speaking following the International Naval Review 250, led by the Navy's acting Secretary Hung Cao.

    Vance will deliver remarks "commemorating America's 250th birthday", honouring service personnel and celebrating the "strength, leadership and freedom" that has made the US the "greatest nation in the history of the world"," say officials.

    Navy and marine officers wait on board the USS Kearsarge ahead of the Sail4th 250 in New York Bay, the skyline of the Big Apple visible in the distanceEPA

  19. Pop stars to perform across US to celebrate 250 years of independence

    Christina Aguilera performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026Getty Images

    Christina Aguilera will perform at Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway alongside Will Smith

    From Christina Aguilera to Will Smith and Chaka Khan, artists across the US are performing in celebration of the country's 250 years of independence.

    Those run by Congress' America 250 body include Mary J Blige, Brad Paisley, and Ne-Yo who will perform at New York City's Times Square, from 21:00 local time (Sunday 02:00 BST).

    In Los Angeles, Chaka Khan joins Chris Stapleton and the Smashing Pumpkins at the LA Memorial Coliseum, with the show kicking off at 18:30 local time (Sunday 02:30 BST).

    If you feel like seeing Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, Seal and Meek Mill this evening, Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway is where you'll need to be at 17:00 (22:00 BST).

    US President Trump has also attempted to organise his own "Freedom 250" concert series in DC, announcing shows from Martina McBride, The Commodores and Bret Michaels - before several acts pulled out following political backlash.

    Performing today ahead of his speech in Washington DC will be, among others, singer and rapper CeeLo Green and rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 19:00 local time (00:00 BST).

  20. America 250 vs Freedom 250: What’s the difference?

    Wide shot of the Capitol building and National Mall showing tents of the Great American State Fair, a white ferris wheel in the centreGetty Images

    Events to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday are being organised by two competing entities.

    America250 was established by Congress a decade ago to plan nonpartisan events. It’s headed by Rosie Rios, who served in the Obama administration, and its board members are made up of a mix of Republicans and Democrats.

    On 4 July, it is hosting several events in cities across the nation including a Los Angeles concert headlined by funk legend Chaka Khan and country music star Chris Stapleton.

    Freedom 250, on the other hand, is a separate organisation created by US President Donald Trump. It was behind the UFC match on the White House lawn last month and is hosting the Great American State Fair in Washington DC.

    A planned concert faced significant disruption after some of the named artists pulled out. Critics say the president has used Freedom250 to usurp America250’s role and inserted himself into the centre of America's 250th birthday celebrations.

    • Read more of our coverage here and here.