July 4 holds a special place in the American calendar, and this year marks a historic 250 years of U.S. independence. During his first term, President Donald Trump commemorated the day with grand displays — from fireworks at Mount Rushmore to large-scale events at the National Mall. But this year’s celebration looks different.
Trump’s July 4, 2025 Plans: No Public Appearance Confirmed
As of now, President Trump has no official engagement scheduled for Independence Day itself. The closest he’s come to participating was his July 3 appearance in Des Moines, Iowa, for the “Salute to America” rally, which also launched the America250 festivities that will continue into 2026.
If no last-minute event is announced, this would mark the first time Trump has skipped a public appearance on the Fourth of July since taking office.
His absence comes amid slipping approval ratings. A late-June Yahoo/YouGov poll showed Trump’s approval falling to 40%, down from 44% in March, with 56% of Americans disapproving of his current policies — a 10-point shift in just three months.
How Past Presidents Celebrated July 4
From George Washington to Barack Obama, U.S. presidents have long used July 4 as a stage for celebration, unity, and symbolic leadership. Here’s a snapshot of how previous presidents marked the day:
- George Washington: Celebrated in cities like Philadelphia and Alexandria, attending community parades and military events.
- John Adams: Participated in military reviews and public orations, emphasizing national pride.
- Thomas Jefferson: Hosted grand White House receptions with foreign dignitaries and Native American leaders; festivities included horse races and music.
- James Madison: Alternated between Capitol ceremonies, military parades, and White House gatherings.
- John Quincy Adams: Often walked in processions to the Capitol and welcomed the public at the White House; once celebrated with turtle soup from Key West.
- James K. Polk: Oversaw patriotic receptions influenced by the Mexican-American War; in 1847, spent the Fourth in Portland, Maine during a public tour.
- Zachary Taylor: Fell ill after attending celebrations at the Washington Monument in 1850; died five days later from gastrointestinal illness.
- Abraham Lincoln: Honored the Army of the Potomac in 1863 and embraced African American communities in wartime celebrations.
- Richard Nixon: Celebrated with Vietnam veterans and staff, though he often vacationed in Florida during the holiday.
- Gerald Ford: Marked the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 with events at Valley Forge and Independence Hall.
- Ronald Reagan: Spoke at the Statue of Liberty’s 100th anniversary in 1986, reinforcing themes of freedom and national pride.
- Barack Obama: Hosted annual White House barbecues for over 1,200 members of the military and their families.
Trump’s Previous July 4 Celebrations
- 2020: Mount Rushmore fireworks and a National Mall “Salute to America” ceremony.
- 2019: Hosted a large-scale “Salute to America” at the Lincoln Memorial.
- 2018: Attended a White House picnic and golf club gathering in Sterling, Virginia.
- 2017: Held a White House Independence Day celebration featuring a picnic and military honors.
Looking Ahead
While Trump may sit out this year’s public July 4 festivities, the America250 campaign—a nationwide celebration of America’s semiquincentennial—will continue building momentum into 2026. Whether the president plans more events under this initiative remains to be seen.
But for now, this quiet Fourth marks a stark contrast to Trump’s typically flashy Independence Day style.
