Donald Trump called on Americans to protect the freedoms envisioned by the Founding Fathers of the United States 250 years ago from the “communist threat,” as he characterized it, posed by progressive Democrats, was issued by Donald Trump while speaking at Mount Rushmore.

In a patriotic speech, Trump highlighted the American “miracle” and praised the work of his four predecessors, whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

“We stand beneath the monument to these heroes, a group of truly incredible people, and we recommit ourselves to being a nation as great, bold, noble, and remarkable as these American giants. And that’s not easy to do, but we will do it,” he emphasized.

However, he immediately warned that “our American identity is facing a new assault.”

“There is a resurgence of the communist threat on our soil, among others from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas completely at odds with our way of life and our great success,” Trump remarked. “We will not let this happen,” he emphasized.

Referring to “newcomers,” the U.S. president linked his anti-communist rhetoric to his anti-immigration stance, a central issue of his campaign and his policy, and at one point during his speech yesterday he noted that newcomers to the U.S. should be expelled.

“We are determined and committed to everyone that the citizens of the U.S. will quickly defeat communism (…) We will drive them out quickly and continue to build our country bigger and better, stronger than ever. America will never become a communist country!” he said emphatically.

Trump has frequently resorted to this rhetoric lately, as the November midterm elections approach, in which Republicans fear that the president’s low approval ratings will cost them control of Congress.

“We can only lose the midterm elections if we allow ourselves to lose them,” the U.S. president remarked yesterday.

Four progressive candidates, including three members of the Democratic Party’s left wing, won the party’s primaries in New York City last week and in Colorado on Tuesday. Progressive candidates have also scored victories in Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

In his speech at Mount Rushmore, Trump did not fail to mention the “radicals and extremists” who “attack our incredible history at every opportunity.”

“In recent years, there has undoubtedly been an effort to make us lose our American spirit, to distance us from our history,” he said.

“I Can Do Anything”

Tonight, Trump is scheduled to deliver a major speech on the National Mall, in the heart of Washington, as part of the events titled “Salute America 250 Celebration & Fireworks,” which will culminate in “the biggest fireworks show in history,” as he himself has announced, featuring 850,000 fireworks.

Washington, D.C., and the U.S. East Coast in general are facing a severe heat wave, with temperatures in the nation’s capital expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius tomorrow.

“By the way, on July 4, it will be about 107 degrees (Fahrenheit, about 41 degrees Celsius), and I’m going to go up there and give a really long speech just to show that I can do anything,” the U.S. president said on Wednesday.

At a time when the U.S. is supposed to be demonstrating national unity, the country is deeply divided under Trump.

The Republican’s popularity is nearing its lowest levels due to the war in Iran and the rising cost of living. Moreover, his large-scale anti-immigrant campaign, his family’s wealth, and his efforts to expand presidential powers have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Ousa Vance, the wife of Vice President Jay D. Vance, which aired yesterday, Friday, Trump stated: “We have a great country, but right now it’s at a bit of a crossroads. It could go either way (…) but we’re going to make it go the other way. And we’re going to make America greater than ever.”

“Without much enthusiasm”

Meanwhile, the Republican’s effort to leave his mark on the celebrations marking 250 years of U.S. independence is evident: An organization linked to Trump, Freedom 250, has taken over many major events at the expense of the bipartisan “America 250” committee, leading some to boycott them.

The MMA fight night held at the White House on Trump’s birthday in mid-June had already sparked fierce backlash.

“The 4th of July is a true celebration of freedom, but to be honest, in this political climate, it doesn’t fill me with as much enthusiasm as it has in recent years,” said Amy Kimara, a 49-year-old teacher who spoke to AFP from Los Angeles.

As the U.S. celebrates its two-and-a-half centuries of history, a Quinnipiac University poll released yesterday, Thursday, showed that 61% of Americans believe that the country currently does not live up to the ideals set forth in the 1776 Declaration of Independence.

Source: Proto Thema