U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized in a speech marking the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding that "the United States will never become a communist country."
On the 4th (local time), in a speech at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the ceremony for the 250th anniversary of the founding, President Trump reviewed U.S. history since the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and said, "Communism is a loser and it always will be."
He said, "The communist system is the exact opposite of the American system and has never worked properly," and emphasized, "America's warriors have fought communism on battlefields around the world."
He went on, "We proudly thank the veterans who took part in the war against communism," introducing Marine Sergeant Patrick Finn and Private Rudy Mikins, who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War (6·25).
President Trump said, "Communism is like cancer. It must be cut out quickly," adding, "We will never want communists in America." He added, "Such threats must be stopped before they begin."
The speech also mentioned the "SAVE Act," which he has urged to be handled ahead of the midterm elections in Nov. President Trump said, "America is back," adding, "We will keep America great, and we will do so by passing the SAVE Act."
The "SAVE Act" is a voter identification strengthening bill that includes requiring voters to present IDs and prove citizenship and restricting mail-in voting.
President Trump also emphasized military strength. He said, "The United States has the strongest military in the world, and we have used it to achieve tremendous success," adding, "Look at Venezuela. Look at Iran. We annihilated their militaries," he claimed.
He continued, "There is no people who have done more good, shown greater courage, and achieved more progress than the American people," adding, "For 250 years, America has been the hope, the promise, and the light of the world."
He also emphasized, "Great empires and kingdoms, great powers and tyrants have appeared and vanished, but 250 years on, the American republic still stands firm."
The Associated Press assessed the speech as "mixing partisan politics with a patriotic appeal," saying it was unusual in revealing a partisan character, unlike past presidents who have used Independence Day speeches as an opportunity for national unity.