- Trump is headed to South Dakota late on Friday, where he’s expected to make remarks at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany does not have to shy away from its record on defence spending, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments calling Germany's past efforts 'ridiculous'.
- Merz announced that Germany is doubling its defence budget within four years, marking the greatest effort to strengthen its defence capabilities.
- Merz emphasized that Germany will reach the 3.5% benchmark set by NATO leaders in The Hague by 2029, ahead of the agreed deadline.
- America turns 250 on Saturday.
- Of the $150 million Congress appropriated for America’s 250th festivities, organizers expected to receive roughly $100 million but have received just $25 million to date.
- America250 organizers have received only a fraction of the appropriated funds to celebrate America's milestone.
- The 40-minute show will stretch more than a mile across Washington, launching simultaneously from eight barges on the Potomac River.
- Freedom250’s finale will be what organizers say is the largest fireworks display in American history with 850,000 firework shells.
Former President Donald Trump will headline the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States at Mount Rushmore, delivering a keynote address and watching a fireworks display. The event, set for Friday evening, is part of a larger celebration that includes a massive fireworks show in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night.15
Trump's visit to Mount Rushmore, where he previously expressed interest in having his likeness carved into the monument, comes amid concerns about fire hazards due to drought conditions in the area. “President Trump will lead the nation in a historic celebration beneath one of America’s most iconic landmarks,” said Keith Krach, chairman of Freedom 250, the organization overseeing the event.
In contrast, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany's military spending, stating that the country is doubling its defense budget within four years, a move he described as the greatest effort to strengthen defense capabilities. Merz emphasized that Germany will meet the 3.5% benchmark set in The Hague by 2029, ahead of schedule, in response to Trump's past criticisms of Germany's defense efforts.4
As America prepares for its milestone birthday, organizers of the America250 celebrations have faced funding challenges, receiving only a fraction of the $150 million appropriated by Congress. Despite these hurdles, the festivities are expected to draw significant crowds and feature what is touted as the largest fireworks display in American history, with 850,000 firework shells launched from eight barges on the Potomac River.679
“Trump is scheduled to headline the Mount Rushmore celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has responded to Trump's comments by asserting Germany's commitment to its military spending.”
Rolling Stone
