Trump to mark U.S. 250th anniversary with campaign-style rally

Key Points:

• U.S. President Donald Trump is marking the country's 250th anniversary with a politically charged rally on the National Mall in Washington, drawing criticism for divisiveness amid the broader patriotic celebrations nationwide.
• Traditional July 4 events across the country include fireworks, parades, and concerts, with Philadelphia hosting free cupcakes and a pop-music concert, and New York showcasing tall ships, while Trump’s event features military flyovers and a large fireworks display.
• The Trump administration's Freedom 250 group has largely sidelined the official nonpartisan commission, fencing off much of the National Mall for a "Great American State Fair" that includes conservative and defense contractor displays, causing some states and performers to withdraw over concerns of partisanship.
• Critics argue that Freedom 250 events present a skewed version of American history, downplaying issues like slavery and racial injustice, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a majority of Americans believe the 250th anniversary celebrations have become overly political.
• Efforts to renovate parts of Washington, D.C. ahead of the celebration have had mixed results, with some improvements to fountains and statues but ongoing issues with the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool, which remains in poor condition despite a $15 million renovation.