Donald Trump is returning to Mount Rushmore for the first time in six years. The president confirmed his attendance at a fireworks celebration tied to a major American milestone. The last time he attended the celebration was during his first term in 2020, on July 3, marked by a heated protest by indigenous activists.
Donald Trump will visit Mount Rushmore on July 3 for fireworks
President Donald Trump will attend South Dakota’s Freedom 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration on July 3, South Dakota Searchlight reported. The event honors the nation’s 250th birthday and marks the first fireworks display at the memorial since 2020. Trump will deliver keynote remarks alongside Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum and Governor Larry Rhoden.
Freedom 250, a Trump administration planning group, officially announced the president’s attendance on Thursday. The National Park Service plans to close the memorial to the public on the evening of July 2. Only 4,800 ticketholders who won an online lottery will gain access on July 3.
Rhoden welcomed the visit in a statement praising South Dakota’s values. “Together, we will throw the biggest birthday party ever for our nation and celebrate America’s legacy of freedom, liberty, and justice for all,” he said. The celebration includes family-friendly activities, music, educational exhibits, and presidential reenactors all day long. The evening program will include an armed forces tribute with bands, drill demonstrations, and aviation flyovers.
Senator Mike Rounds confirmed he will attend the event alongside Trump. “In South Dakota, we don’t just climb mountains, we carve them,” Rounds said in his statement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the president back. The visit could politically benefit Rhoden, who faces a runoff election against businessman Toby Doeden on July 28. Rhoden finished second in the four-way June 2 Republican primary for governor.
Trump previously attended the 2020 fireworks display on then-Governor Kristi Noem’s request for its reinstatement. The National Park Service had ended fireworks shows over concerns about wildfire danger and water pollution. Native American tribes also opposed the events at the historically significant Black Hills site. South Dakota’s Department of Tourism signed a $700,000 contract with Pyro Spectaculars to produce this year’s show.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.
