The United States is gearing up for its 250th birthday, a milestone meant to celebrate the nation's founding. But President Donald Trump has inserted himself squarely into the centre of the festivities, sparking controversy ahead of a planned visit by Britain's royal family.
White House officials confirmed Monday that Trump will deliver a major address on July 4, 2026, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The event is being billed as a "Salute to America" sequel to his 2019 speech, but critics say it threatens to overshadow the bicentennial commemorations.
Across the Atlantic, the British royal family is preparing to send a senior delegation to Washington, a gesture of the special relationship between the two nations. While Buckingham Palace has not confirmed attendees, sources suggest the Prince and Princess of Wales are likely to lead the delegation. The visit is intended to underscore historical ties and shared democratic values.
But Trump's intervention has raised eyebrows. Labour unions and civic groups have voiced concern that the president will use the platform for partisan gain. "This shouldn't be about one man, it should be about the people who built this country," said Maria Gonzales, a schoolteacher from Ohio. "We need to talk about wages, about the cost of living, not about who gives the best speech."
For many working families, the 250th anniversary is a reminder of promises unfulfilled. In the industrial towns of Pennsylvania and Ohio, where factories once hummed, the bicentennial lands at a time of stagnant pay and soaring rents. Trump's economic record is a mixed one, with tax cuts for corporations but little wage growth for the average worker.
The royal visit, meanwhile, is a double-edged sword. While some see it as a welcome dose of pageantry, others question its relevance. "We need affordable healthcare, not a parade," said John Davies, a steelworker from Sheffield now living in Pittsburgh.
Still, the historic nature of the event is undeniable. It will be the first time a British royal has attended a US independence celebration since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1976. That visit was a moment of warmth between allies. Today, the backdrop is more fractious, with trade disputes and Brexit complicating relations.
As the date approaches, the White House has remained tight-lipped on the cost of Trump's speech. Security and logistics for such an event are likely to run into millions, money that some argue could be better spent on infrastructure or social programmes.
For now, the focus remains on the kitchen table. In Baltimore, where the cost of bread has risen 12 per cent in a year, mother of three Tamika Jones said she had other priorities. "I'll watch the fireworks on TV. My real concern is how I'm going to pay my bills next month."
Trump's address and the royal visit will go ahead. But for millions of Americans, the 250th birthday is less a celebration than a reminder of how far the nation has to go.
