US President Donald Trump used the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations to deliver a strongly patriotic address that celebrated America’s history, honoured military veterans and renewed his criticism of communism, while outlining his vision for the country’s future.

Speaking at the "Salute to America" event on the National Mall in Washington, Trump addressed thousands of attendees despite severe weather that had temporarily disrupted the programme earlier in the day. Thunderstorms and lightning forced officials to evacuate parts of the venue before the ceremony resumed later in the evening.

Opening his nearly 40-minute speech, Trump thanked the crowd for returning after the weather interruption, saying the celebration would continue "rain or shine."

"I want to thank everybody because they did the right thing," Trump said, adding that the difficult weather had made the occasion even more memorable.

Throughout the address, Trump repeatedly praised American history, democracy and constitutional freedoms, describing the country's 250-year journey as a story of resilience and achievement.

A major theme of the speech was his criticism of communism. Trump argued that communist ideology was fundamentally incompatible with American values and warned against what he described as efforts to reshape the nation's historical narrative.

"You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both," Trump said, while accusing supporters of Marxist ideas of undermining America's heritage and future.

He further described communism as "a cancer" that should be stopped before it spreads, asserting that the ideology had consistently failed wherever it had been implemented.

Trump contrasted what he called America's constitutional freedoms—including freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equal justice under the law—with authoritarian political systems, saying these principles remain central to the country's identity.

The President also used the occasion to promote his domestic political agenda. Referring to election reforms, he reiterated support for legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voting and stricter rules governing mail-in ballots. Trump argued that such measures would strengthen election integrity.

On foreign policy, Trump briefly highlighted recent US actions overseas, mentioning operations involving Venezuela and military strikes targeting Iranian naval assets as examples of his administration's approach to national security.

Military service and American history featured prominently throughout the celebration. Trump honoured veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, recognising their contributions before a cheering audience.

Several historic American flags were displayed during the event, including flags associated with the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Theodore Roosevelt's military service and the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Calling them "the real deal," Trump said the historic flags symbolised the courage and determination that shaped the United States.

The event also highlighted America's achievements in space exploration. Members of the Artemis II mission, which recently completed a lunar flyby, appeared alongside former Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, the last surviving astronaut to have walked on the Moon.

As the ceremony concluded, Trump declared that America was entering what he described as a new "golden age," expressing confidence about the country's future.

The Independence Day celebrations ended with an elaborate fireworks display over the National Mall, accompanied by music and patriotic performances. Despite the earlier thunderstorms, large crowds remained until the conclusion of the event, marking one of the centrepiece celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

The address reflected themes that have remained central to Trump's political messaging, combining patriotic symbolism, tributes to military service, criticism of ideological opponents and calls for preserving what he described as traditional American values.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions

US President Donald Trump has triggered fresh geopolitical tensions after warning Oman against any move that could affect access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said the United States would respond forcefully if Oman aligned with Iran in efforts to control or restrict movement through the strategic waterway. The remarks quickly drew international attention, especially across West Asia, where concerns over regional security and energy trade remain high.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global crude oil shipments, and any threat to navigation there typically raises fears of economic disruption and military escalation.

Sharp Remarks From Trump

According to reports circulating in Washington, Trump warned that if Oman joined Iran in exerting pressure over the strait, the US would “blow it up”. While the statement has not yet been accompanied by any formal military announcement, it has added to concerns over the increasingly aggressive rhetoric emerging from the White House.

Oman has traditionally maintained balanced ties with both the United States and Iran and has often acted as a regional mediator during periods of tension. Diplomats familiar with Gulf affairs said Muscat has generally avoided direct confrontation and preferred quiet negotiations over public escalation.

Trump’s latest comments have nevertheless pushed Oman into the centre of a wider debate about Washington’s military posture under his current presidency.

Claims Around Military Action

Political observers and several international commentators have pointed out that Trump has repeatedly used strong military language against both allies and adversaries. Reports and public statements over recent months have included warnings directed at multiple countries, alongside threats related to territorial control and strategic waterways.

The US has also continued military operations in conflict zones including Yemen, Iraq and Syria, largely targeting armed groups linked to Iran or extremist organisations operating in the region.

In Yemen, American strikes intensified after attacks on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea. In Syria and Iraq, US operations have focused on militia networks accused of targeting American military facilities.

However, some claims circulating online regarding direct US attacks or regime-change operations in countries such as Venezuela remain disputed or lack official confirmation.

Campaign Promises Revisited

Before returning to office, Trump frequently projected himself during the 2024 campaign as a leader who could avoid large-scale wars while using negotiation and economic pressure to secure American interests.

At rallies across the United States, he criticised previous administrations for prolonged military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan and argued that global conflicts would have been handled differently under his leadership.

Trump also repeatedly claimed the Russia-Ukraine conflict would not have erupted had he remained president after 2020.

Critics, however, argue that his second term has seen rising military tensions rather than diplomatic stabilisation. Foreign policy analysts say the administration’s language toward Iran and other rivals has become more confrontational in recent months.

‘Madman Theory’ Discussion

Several experts have compared Trump’s approach to what political scientists describe as the “Madman Theory” — a strategy associated with former US President Richard Nixon during the Cold War era.

The theory involves projecting unpredictability so that rivals fear extreme retaliation and become more willing to compromise.

Trump has often used abrupt warnings, tariff threats and public pressure tactics during negotiations with both allies and opponents. Analysts say this style has produced mixed outcomes internationally.

According to recent assessments by Western policy experts, NATO allies have responded by increasing defence preparedness, while countries such as Iran and Russia have largely maintained their positions despite repeated warnings from Washington.

Concerns Over Iran

The renewed pressure campaign against Iran has also revived debate around Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Some foreign policy specialists believe sustained military threats could push Iran toward accelerating its nuclear programme instead of restraining it.

Former diplomats and strategic analysts have argued that examples from Iraq and Libya continue to shape Iran’s security calculations. They note that governments without nuclear deterrence faced collapse, while nuclear-armed states like North Korea have remained insulated from direct foreign intervention.

For now, no official response has been issued by Oman regarding Trump’s latest remarks. But the statement has once again highlighted how rapidly tensions surrounding the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz can escalate, particularly during periods of heightened confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The UFC event planned for Donald Trump’s 80th birthday will be held at the White House as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with free public viewing planned for nearly one lakh fans.

US President Donald Trump is set to celebrate his 80th birthday on June 14 with an unprecedented UFC event at the White House, marking one of the most unusual sporting spectacles ever planned at the presidential residence.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, widely regarded as the world’s biggest Mixed Martial Arts promotion, will organise the event on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the larger celebrations commemorating 250 years of America’s founding.

White House UFC Plans

Preparations for the event are already underway in Washington DC. UFC officials have unveiled concept visuals of a specially designed Octagon arena featuring patriotic American flag-themed elements and large-scale lighting arrangements.

The temporary fighting venue is being constructed on the South Lawn and is expected to accommodate more than 4,000 spectators inside the secured event zone.

According to UFC president Dana White, the idea for the event came directly from Trump. Officials familiar with the preparations said the construction work is moving rapidly ahead of the June 14 celebration.

Free Viewing For Fans

Beyond the main arena, authorities are also planning a large public viewing arrangement at Ellipse Field near the White House. Organisers expect close to one lakh people to attend the outdoor screening area, where fans will reportedly be allowed to watch the fights free of cost on giant display screens.

The scale of the arrangements reflects the growing popularity of UFC events in the United States and Trump’s longstanding association with the sport.

Officials also confirmed that the ceremonial weigh-in for fighters is expected to take place at the historic Lincoln Memorial, adding another high-profile backdrop to the event schedule.

Trump Praises UFC Popularity

Speaking recently about the upcoming White House UFC event, Trump said public excitement around the matches was unlike anything he had seen before.

According to people involved in the planning process, the event is being positioned not only as a birthday celebration but also as a major national entertainment attraction tied to the America 250 festivities.

Trump has remained closely connected with combat sports for years and has frequently attended UFC cards even after entering politics.

Longstanding Trump-UFC Ties

Trump and Dana White share a relationship dating back to the early years of UFC’s expansion in the United States. Before his political career, Trump hosted several UFC events at his hotels and casinos at a time when the sport struggled for wider mainstream acceptance.

Over the years, White has publicly supported Trump at political events and campaign gatherings. Political observers in the US have also linked White to efforts that helped Trump gain support from influential online personalities, including podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

The White House, meanwhile, appears keen on expanding its association with large-scale sporting events. Media reports in the US suggest discussions are also underway for a possible IndyCar street race in Washington later this year.

Security And Logistics

Hosting a UFC card inside the White House complex is expected to present significant logistical and security challenges. While officials have not disclosed full operational details yet, security agencies are likely to implement extensive crowd-control and screening measures around the area.

Washington authorities are also expected to issue traffic and public access advisories closer to the event date.

UFC’s Global Growth

Founded in 1993, UFC has grown from a controversial combat sports promotion into one of the world’s most commercially successful sporting organisations. Fighters from boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing compete inside the Octagon under unified MMA rules.

Though criticised in its early years for excessive violence, the sport gradually gained mainstream recognition after stricter safety regulations and professional standards were introduced.

The White House UFC event is now being projected as one of the most watched sporting celebrations linked to Trump’s 80th birthday, with organisers expecting global attention in the days ahead.

Shooting at 17th Street checkpoint left suspect dead and one bystander injured; Secret Service and FBI probe incident

A gunman who opened fire near a security checkpoint outside the White House on Saturday was shot and later died after Secret Service officers returned fire, authorities said, prompting a heavy security response in downtown Washington.

Shooting at checkpoint

The incident began in the late afternoon at the 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue checkpoint, a short distance from the White House complex. According to law enforcement officials and a Secret Service statement, the man approached the checkpoint and fired at officers stationed there. Secret Service personnel immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where officials later confirmed he died from his injuries.

Officials said a bystander was struck during the exchange of gunfire; authorities did not immediately release details on that person’s condition. Initial reports described the suspect as alive when transported, but hospital officials later confirmed his death.

President inside residence

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, officials said. He was reportedly engaged in negotiations related to foreign policy matters and was not harmed. The Secret Service and the White House communications team said the president’s security was maintained and the gunman never breached the secure perimeter.

Trump issued remarks thanking the Secret Service for “swift action” and said the suspect had a “violent history and possible obsession” with the White House. The comments were posted on his social media account; aides later reiterated that the president was safe.

Agencies launch probe

The Secret Service said it is leading an investigation and is being assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel posted that FBI agents were on scene supporting the Secret Service’s response. Local Metropolitan Police officers and National Guard troops mobilised to seal off roads and block access to the area as the probe unfolded.

A Secret Service statement provided to reporters said: “Secret Service police officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect after he opened fire at the checkpoint. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.” Authorities described the individual as an “emotionally disturbed person” and said a previous “stay-away order” had been issued against him.

Scene and timeline

The shooting set off a rapid escalation of security across downtown Washington. Journalists and the public were held back as police cordoned off streets surrounding the presidential complex. Footage from the scene showed multiple law enforcement vehicles converging near Lafayette Square and officers scanning rooftops and nearby areas for additional threats in the immediate aftermath.

Sources familiar with the scene said the exchange of gunfire lasted only moments before officers gained control. Emergency responders treated the wounded and cleared the area, while investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses into the night.

Context and follow-up

The attack comes amid heightened attention to presidential security after several incidents in recent years. Officials noted that the latest shooting follows a string of alleged plots and breaches that prompted reviews of perimeter controls and interagency coordination. In April, an armed man was stopped at a hotel checkpoint where the president was attending an event; other incidents earlier in recent years included a shooting near a rally and an arrest on a golf course.

Security analysts stressed that the Secret Service’s rapid response likely prevented a more serious outcome. “Checkpoints are the first layer of defense,” one former federal agent said on condition of anonymity. “Agents are trained to neutralise immediate threats while containing risk to bystanders.”

What’s next

The Secret Service and FBI said they will continue their joint investigation to determine the suspect’s motive, the origin of any weapons used, and why a prior stay-away order did not prevent the encounter. Authorities also said they would review video footage and forensics from the scene and interview witnesses and personnel who were on duty.

Local officials asked area residents and workers to expect continued restrictions around the White House in the coming hours as investigators complete their work. The city’s police department urged anyone with relevant information or footage to contact investigators.