Founding Fathers led America’s independence and shaped the US Constitution. Key figures like Washington, Jefferson and Franklin built the nation’s democratic foundations.

Founding Fathers led America’s independence and shaped the US Constitution. Key figures like Washington, Jefferson and Franklin built the nation’s democratic foundations.

America turns 250: Who were the founding fathers behind US independence?

As the United States gears up to celebrate the Fourth of July, an intense heatwave has significantly disrupted events across the country, including the cancellation of a parade in Washington, DC. According to the US National Weather Service, record temperatures pushed 165 million people in sweltering heat along the East Coast and Midwest on Friday (Jul 3). The heatwave, intensified by a persistent high-pressure system, has pushed temperatures in several parts to record levels, making outdoor celebrations risky.The Great American State Fair on the National Mall, marking the 250th birthday of the US, was temporarily shut down when temperatures reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). According to emergency services, several people were treated for heat-related illnesses, with many requiring an ambulance transport. National Park Service also cancelled its Independence Day Parade after weather forecasts warned of a heat index reaching as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).Several other Fourth of July events were either cancelled or postponed in other locations due to heat. Philadelphia cancelled its large-scale Salute to Independence Parade, while events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and even parts of Colorado were also called off. Organisers said that the decision was taken in view of extreme weather conditions.Despite the conditions, some scheduled celebrations are still moving forward, including presidential appearances and outdoor events, although adjustments may be made depending on weather conditions. Authorities have stressed that public safety remains the top priority.Scorching heat conditions in the country are being driven by a “heat dome”, which is trapping hot air over large parts of the central and eastern United States. More than 185 million people remain under heat alerts during the holiday weekend as forecasters warn of record-breaking temperatures.The impact of the heatwave has also strained infrastructure and energy systems, with power operators urging people to conserve electricity amid surging demand. Thousands in New York also experienced power outages due to rising pressure on the grid.As the US marks its biggest celebration, officials have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and monitor signs of heat-related illnesses.

Extreme heat disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the US, forcing cancellations as 165 million people faced dangerous temperatures and public events were affected.

As the United States gears up to celebrate the Fourth of July, an intense heatwave has significantly disrupted events across the country, including the cancellation of a parade in Washington, DC. According to the US National Weather Service, record temperatures pushed 165 million people in sweltering heat along the East Coast and Midwest on Friday (Jul 3). The heatwave, intensified by a persistent high-pressure system, has pushed temperatures in several parts to record levels, making outdoor celebrations risky. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall, marking the 250th birthday of the US, was temporarily shut down when temperatures reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). According to emergency services, several people were treated for heat-related illnesses, with many requiring an ambulance transport. National Park Service also cancelled its Independence Day Parade after weather forecasts warned of a heat index reaching as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). Several other Fourth of July events were either cancelled or postponed in other locations due to heat. Philadelphia cancelled its large-scale Salute to Independence Parade, while events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and even parts of Colorado were also called off. Organisers said that the decision was taken in view of extreme weather conditions. Despite the conditions, some scheduled celebrations are still moving forward, including presidential appearances and outdoor events, although adjustments may be made depending on weather conditions. Authorities have stressed that public safety remains the top priority. Scorching heat conditions in the country are being driven by a “heat dome”, which is trapping hot air over large parts of the central and eastern United States. More than 185 million people remain under heat alerts during the holiday weekend as forecasters warn of record-breaking temperatures. The impact of the heatwave has also strained infrastructure and energy systems, with power operators urging people to conserve electricity amid surging demand. Thousands in New York also experienced power outages due to rising pressure on the grid. As the US marks its biggest celebration, officials have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and monitor signs of heat-related illnesses.

Extreme heat disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the US, forcing cancellations as 165 million people faced dangerous temperatures and public events were affected.

Fourth of July celebrations across US hit by severe heatwave

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday under President Donald Trump, a congressional report has accused him of turning what was intended to be a bipartisan national celebration into an event centred on himself.&nbsp;The report, released by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, is titled "From Vanity to Insanity: How the White House Cheated the American People Out of Their 250th Birthday." Committee Democrats spent several months investigating the planning of the celebrations using whistleblower accounts, internal documents, confidential sources, hearing testimony and written responses from government organisations.<h2>America250 was replaced by Freedom 250</h2>Congress had created the America250 Commission in 2016 to organise a national celebration that would remain above politics and unite Americans regardless of political beliefs. According to the report, Trump instead sought to place himself at the centre of the anniversary celebrations by promoting his political agenda, personal projects and business interests.&nbsp;The report says the America250 Commission did not agree to White House demands, prompting the administration to create Freedom 250 LLC to take charge of major anniversary events. According to Huffman, Freedom 250 was placed within the National Park Foundation, allowing it to use the charity's reputation and donor network while avoiding some of the transparency requirements that applied to America250.&nbsp;Trump also signed an executive order making himself chair of the White House task force overseeing America's 250th birthday celebrations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pezeshkian-ghalibaf-break-down-as-iran-bids-farewell-to-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-1783117672966">Watch: Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf break down as Iran bids farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a><h2>Report raises concerns over funding and events</h2>The report points to several events that it says also celebrated Trump personally, including the Army's 250th military parade held on his birthday on June 14, 2025, and a UFC event on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, under the Freedom 250 banner. It also highlights Trump's proposal to build a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch.&nbsp;Freedom 250 is described as the public-private partnership behind several anniversary events, including a UFC fight outside the White House, a state fair on the National Mall, a July Fourth fireworks show opening with a Trump rally and the "Patriot Games," a high school athletic competition scheduled for August.&nbsp;The report alleges that some donors believed they were contributing to the bipartisan America250 organisation but were instead given Freedom 250's bank details. It says that if these allegations are true, they could amount to wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud under US federal and Washington, DC, law.&nbsp;Freedom 250 reportedly offered sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and exceeding $10 million. According to the report, these packages included a "historic photo opportunity" with President Trump.&nbsp;The investigation also outlines how Freedom 250 effectively put a price tag on presidential access, circulating sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and climbing above $10m for tiered recognition, culminating in a “historic photo opportunity” with Trump. The report further alleges Freedom 250's CEO sought financial support from foreign governments, companies and wealthy individuals at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It adds that if foreign money ultimately benefited Trump's projects, it could violate the US Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause.

The report alleges that several America 250 events, including the Army's 250th parade, a White House UFC event and Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch, were designed to celebrate him personally.

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday under President Donald Trump, a congressional report has accused him of turning what was intended to be a bipartisan national celebration into an event centred on himself. The report, released by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, is titled "From Vanity to Insanity: How the White House Cheated the American People Out of Their 250th Birthday." Committee Democrats spent several months investigating the planning of the celebrations using whistleblower accounts, internal documents, confidential sources, hearing testimony and written responses from government organisations. America250 was replaced by Freedom 250 Congress had created the America250 Commission in 2016 to organise a national celebration that would remain above politics and unite Americans regardless of political beliefs. According to the report, Trump instead sought to place himself at the centre of the anniversary celebrations by promoting his political agenda, personal projects and business interests. The report says the America250 Commission did not agree to White House demands, prompting the administration to create Freedom 250 LLC to take charge of major anniversary events. According to Huffman, Freedom 250 was placed within the National Park Foundation, allowing it to use the charity's reputation and donor network while avoiding some of the transparency requirements that applied to America250. Trump also signed an executive order making himself chair of the White House task force overseeing America's 250th birthday celebrations. Also Read: Watch: Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf break down as Iran bids farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Report raises concerns over funding and events The report points to several events that it says also celebrated Trump personally, including the Army's 250th military parade held on his birthday on June 14, 2025, and a UFC event on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, under the Freedom 250 banner. It also highlights Trump's proposal to build a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch. Freedom 250 is described as the public-private partnership behind several anniversary events, including a UFC fight outside the White House, a state fair on the National Mall, a July Fourth fireworks show opening with a Trump rally and the "Patriot Games," a high school athletic competition scheduled for August. The report alleges that some donors believed they were contributing to the bipartisan America250 organisation but were instead given Freedom 250's bank details. It says that if these allegations are true, they could amount to wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud under US federal and Washington, DC, law. Freedom 250 reportedly offered sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and exceeding $10 million. According to the report, these packages included a "historic photo opportunity" with President Trump. The investigation also outlines how Freedom 250 effectively put a price tag on presidential access, circulating sponsorship packages starting at $500,000 and climbing above $10m for tiered recognition, culminating in a “historic photo opportunity” with Trump. The report further alleges Freedom 250's CEO sought financial support from foreign governments, companies and wealthy individuals at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It adds that if foreign money ultimately benefited Trump's projects, it could violate the US Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause.

The report alleges that several America 250 events, including the Army's 250th parade, a White House UFC event and Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch, were designed to celebrate him personally.

Trump used America's 250th birthday for personal benefit, Democratic report claims. Here's how

As Unted states gears up to celebrate two and a half centuries of its Independence, about 77 per cent of Americans believe the country's founders would be disappointed with the state of the United States today, according to a Gallup poll released this week as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.&nbsp;The survey found that only 19 per cent of respondents believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased with how the country has developed. Gallup said the latest result is the most pessimistic since it began asking the question in 1999.<h2>Political and generational divide emerges</h2>Republicans were slightly more optimistic than Democrats and Independents, although positive views remained low across all political groups. About 25 per cent of Republicans said the founders would be pleased with the country's direction, compared with 21 per cent of Independents and 13 per cent of Democrats.&nbsp;The poll also highlighted differences across age groups. Only 8 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said the United States has succeeded a great deal in achieving its founding ideals, compared with 24 per cent among the oldest respondents.<h2>On the brighter side</h2>Despite the widespread belief that the founders would be disappointed, many Americans still think the country has made meaningful progress toward its founding principles.&nbsp;Twenty per cent said the United States has succeeded a great deal in living up to those ideals, while 49 per cent said it has achieved a fair amount of success.&nbsp;However, these figures remain below earlier levels. During the country's bicentennial in 1976, 77 per cent of Americans said the United States had succeeded a fair amount or a great deal in achieving its founding ideals. That figure rose to 84 per cent in 2002 following the September 11 attacks.

Only 19 per cent said the nation's founders would be pleased with the country's progress, while just 8 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 believe the US has greatly achieved its founding ideals.

As Unted states gears up to celebrate two and a half centuries of its Independence, about 77 per cent of Americans believe the country's founders would be disappointed with the state of the United States today, according to a Gallup poll released this week as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The survey found that only 19 per cent of respondents believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased with how the country has developed. Gallup said the latest result is the most pessimistic since it began asking the question in 1999. Political and generational divide emerges Republicans were slightly more optimistic than Democrats and Independents, although positive views remained low across all political groups. About 25 per cent of Republicans said the founders would be pleased with the country's direction, compared with 21 per cent of Independents and 13 per cent of Democrats. The poll also highlighted differences across age groups. Only 8 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said the United States has succeeded a great deal in achieving its founding ideals, compared with 24 per cent among the oldest respondents. On the brighter side Despite the widespread belief that the founders would be disappointed, many Americans still think the country has made meaningful progress toward its founding principles. Twenty per cent said the United States has succeeded a great deal in living up to those ideals, while 49 per cent said it has achieved a fair amount of success. However, these figures remain below earlier levels. During the country's bicentennial in 1976, 77 per cent of Americans said the United States had succeeded a fair amount or a great deal in achieving its founding ideals. That figure rose to 84 per cent in 2002 following the September 11 attacks.

Only 19 per cent said the nation's founders would be pleased with the country's progress, while just 8 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 believe the US has greatly achieved its founding ideals.

As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed with how the country has turned out: Gallup poll

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America turns 250: Who were the founding fathers behind US independence?

Fourth of July celebrations across US hit by severe heatwave

Democrat report alleges Trump used America's 250th birthday for personal gain

As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed: Gallup poll