America’s 250th Independence Day: Merz, Modi congratulated

Speaking on the eve of the 250th Independence Day, US President Donald Trump warned his compatriots against communist ideology.

During a speech in South Dakota he said, “There is now a resurgence of the Communist threat in our country, including new people coming to our country who embrace ideas diametrically opposed to our way of life and our great success.”

“We will not let that happen.”

He also praised American exceptionalism and praised the country’s past leaders.

On Saturday, Trump was scheduled to give another speech on the National Mall before a huge fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day.

The President said he was “going to give a really long speech – just to show that I can do anything.”

Congratulating the US on its 250th Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky drew parallels between America’s struggle for independence and Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russian aggression.

Zelensky said, just as Americans fought for their independence, Ukraine is now fighting for its sovereignty and independence.

Noting that the US had helped liberate the world from “tyrants” in the last century, he underlined: “Now, in the 21st century, America’s influence and importance are certainly no less.”

“And we see this especially clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its freedom, independence and the right to happiness of our people with the same hope, the same purpose and the same determination with which the Americans won and defended their independence.”

As Americans celebrate 250 years of independence, Pope Leo urged them to welcome and protect immigrants.

“Welcoming (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity of every human person,” he said in a letter sent to the United States.

The pope’s appeal came as he visited the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which is a gateway for migrants who risk the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from Africa to reach Europe.

Leo is the first American Pope of the Catholic Church.

He has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s policies aimed at reducing migration to the US.

The Pope described the US administration’s treatment of immigrants as “inhumane”.

President Donald Trump became angry with his stance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the 250th Independence Day.

Pointing to the “shared belief in democracy, rule of law” and close ties between people, he said India and the US “share much more than a strategic partnership”.

“The next 250 years will bring even greater prosperity, peace and progress for America and take the India-US partnership to new heights,” Modi said in a post on Twitter.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has congratulated America on its 250th birthday, saying the country was “founded on freedom, democracy and responsibility” 250 years ago.

He said that both Germany and the United States have since been “bound by close friendship.”

“Especially in challenging times, our trans-Atlantic partnership remains indispensable,” Merz wrote in a message posted on Twitter.

The United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain on Saturday, July 4.

Events have been planned across the country to mark the historical milestone. Leaders from all over the world are congratulating.

Major celebrations are taking place in cities including New York, Boston and Los Angeles.

A massive fireworks display and military flyovers will be seen in the capital Washington.

President Donald Trump said he would give “a really long speech” to mark the occasion.

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