Get you up to speed: Trump warns of “communist menace” in speech at Mount Rushmore on eve of July 4th
President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2026, marking the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. He warned of a “resurgence of the communist menace” in the country and stated, “You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both.”
The SAVE America Act would mandate that Americans verify their citizenship when registering to vote and present valid photo identification before casting ballots. President Trump highlighted the importance of American culture in his speech, suggesting that freedoms are inherently tied to the nation’s identity as it approaches its 250th anniversary.
President Trump’s comments during his speech at Mount Rushmore have sparked discussions among political leaders, particularly regarding his call to abolish the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act, aimed at tightening voter registration processes. Following his remarks, Republican leaders have signalled their support for these measures as essential steps for securing victories in the upcoming midterm elections.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the proposed SAVE America Act would be implemented or enforced.
Trump warns of communist threat in Mount Rushmore speech before July 4th
President Trump kicked off America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this July Fourth weekend with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore extolling American culture and warning of a resurgence of the “communist menace.”
Set against the backdrop of the granite faces of four of his predecessors, Mr. Trump said Friday night that American identity was under attack from communist ideals, taking aim at what he called “radicals” and “extremists” who attack American history.
“There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success,” the president said. “You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both.”
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“You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built, you must love our country,” Mr. Trump told the crowd in South Dakota.
After speaking about the dangers of communism, the president said the only way to ensure that the Republicans win the midterm elections is by abolishing the filibuster and passing the SAVE America Act, which would require Americans to prove they are U.S. citizens when they register to vote, and showing a valid photo identification before they cast their ballots.
“As we march into our 250th year, incredible, beautiful year it will be, we must never forget: There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people,” Mr Trump said.
Mandel NGAN /AFP via Getty Images 
Describing American culture, Mr. Trump said, “Americans love freedom. We cherish independence, and we know that we are the heirs to the most beautiful land, the most thrilling story, and the most precious legacy on which the sun has ever shined in America. We do not need anyone’s permission to say what we think, and to live as we please, to worship as we choose, or to keep and bear arms.”