Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) officially proclaimed July 4, 2026, as the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, marking the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The proclamation honours the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and calls on Americans to celebrate the milestone with patriotic observances across the country.
In the proclamation, Trump urged citizens to commemorate the day with “all due ceremony” in recognition of the nation’s heritage, history and achievements.
The proclamation also outlined Trump’s vision for what he described as a “new American Golden Age,” highlighting ambitions in space exploration, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and energy development. It stated that the United States would continue efforts to return astronauts to the Moon, pursue future missions to Mars, expand advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum research, and strengthen the country’s economic prosperity.
The statement further emphasized carrying forward the ideals of the nation’s Founding Fathers and pledged to make the United States “stronger, prouder, richer and greater than ever before.”
Separately, Trump announced that he had signed presidential pardons for six individuals whom he claimed had been unfairly prosecuted during the administration of former President Joe Biden. In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that the individuals had been imprisoned or were facing imprisonment over what he described as “fixing their car,” calling the prosecutions an example of the “weaponization” of government.
Trump did not disclose the identities of the six individuals or provide additional details regarding their cases.
According to CNN, citing a senior White House official, the pardons involve individuals convicted under the Clean Air Act, a federal law designed to regulate emissions and improve air quality. The pardons are part of the administration’s “250 Pardons for 250 Years” initiative, introduced as part of the country’s 250th Independence celebrations.
Later on Friday, Trump departed aboard Air Force One for South Dakota, where he is scheduled to deliver Independence Eve remarks at Mount Rushmore on Saturday (local time).