National Memorial and monumental sculpture in the Black Hills
President Donald Trump has unveiled a Qatari‑donated Boeing 747 that the Air Force has converted and repainted as a temporary Air Force One. The plane has completed flight testing, will serve as a "bridge" until purpose‑built VC‑25Bs arrive around 2028, and has drawn questions about cost, security and the ethics of accepting a foreign gift.
Trump has promoted a multi-million dollar renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington as part of America 250, but reporting shows algae blooms, peeling blue coating and cost overruns. Authorities are investigating contracts and safety concerns as the July 4 celebrations approach.
Pope Leo XIV has used a live video speech to praise America’s history of welcoming migrants and religious liberty, accepting the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He calls for unity ahead of the US 250th anniversary and will visit Lampedusa to highlight migrant journeys, signaling a moral rebuke to hardline immigration policies.
Presidents' Day-style celebration at Mount Rushmore becomes a political battleground as Donald Trump frames a renewed “communist menace” as a threat from newcomers, tying it to immigration and midterm election strategy.