đ§ LISTEN TO THE HEADLINES ON THE SUBSTACK APP
Trump Rails Against Resurgent Communism at Mount Rushmore America 250 Speech
President Donald Trump warned during a speech at Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2026, that communism represents a mortal threat to American liberty as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. He stated that a generation after winning the Cold War, a resurgence of the communist menace has emerged in the United States, including from newcomers embracing ideas opposed to the American way of life. Trump described communism as the exact opposite of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, calling it instead death, tyranny, and the pursuit of evil. He declared that one cannot be loyal to Karl Marx and loyal to America at the same time, vowing that the country would never become communist and urging patriotism over ideology. The address blended patriotic themes with sharp criticism of recent Democratic socialist primary wins, while highlighting American exceptionalism, economic strength, and military successes.
đď¸ News & Politics
Fireworks Sales Surge for Americaâs 250th Celebration
Americans are preparing to mark the nationâs 250th anniversary with record spending on fireworks. Phantom Fireworks Government Affairs Director Dan Peart reported unprecedented demand, with projections of 2.5 to 3 billion dollars in sales this year. He pointed to strong interest in patriotic assortments such as Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Pyro. The company operates in 49 states and offers online ordering options. This enthusiasm reflects widespread excitement for large-scale Independence Day displays and personal celebrations across the country.
Tall Ships and Navy Vessels Fill New York Harbor in July Fourth Flotilla Parade
A fleet of more than 100 tall ships and Navy vessels sailed through New York Harbor on July 4, 2026, as part of the Sail4th 250 event marking Americaâs 250th anniversary. The parade, organized to salute the Statue of Liberty, featured vessels from more than 20 nations traveling from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge. It included an international naval review with dozens of U.S. and allied warships, along with a massive aerial display led by the Blue Angels and over 100 aircraft. Organizers described it as the largest such flotilla in history, drawing millions of spectators and echoing past celebrations like the 1976 Bicentennial while highlighting international goodwill and maritime tradition.
Democrats Announce Plans to Expand Supreme Court and End Filibuster
Top House Democrats from the Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released a resolution this week calling for expansion of the Supreme Court along with term limits and an ethics code for justices. The move also targets elimination of the Senate filibuster. Leaders including Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York, Rep. Grace Meng of New York, and Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia framed the proposal as a response to the Supreme Courtâs recent decision narrowing aspects of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. President Trump responded by warning Republicans that Democrats would use such changes to fundamentally alter the balance of power and make it impossible for the GOP to win future elections.
GOP Hardliners Block Must-Pass Legislation to Force Voter ID Vote
A group of conservative House Republicans led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida derailed progress on key bills, including the National Defense Authorization Act, by voting against a rule to advance it, forcing an early recess. The lawmakers vow to continue obstructing floor business when the chamber returns on July 13 until House leadership attaches the SAVE America Act to must-pass measures. That legislation, which passed the House, requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, mandates valid ID for voting in federal elections, calls for in-person registration, and directs states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. Senate Democrats have pledged to filibuster it, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated insufficient support exists to overcome the blockade. President Trump backs the effort, viewing the bill as essential to preventing voter fraud ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Elaine Chao Meets Chinese Vice President in Beijing Days After Husband Mitch McConnellâs Cardiac Emergency
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao traveled to Beijing and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on June 17, 2026. This occurred just three days after her husband, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, experienced a medical emergency at their Washington, D.C. home involving a reported cardiac arrest that required paramedic response and CPR. McConnell, 84, was hospitalized that day with limited public details on his condition. During the meeting, Han Zheng called for stronger China-U.S. ties and a constructive strategic relationship. Chao responded that stable relations serve both countriesâ interests and expressed support for practical cooperation and exchanges. The Chao family shipping business has longstanding commercial connections in China, which have drawn past scrutiny.
Listen to Underground USAâs podcast:
â America at 250: The Enduring Promise of the United States of America
BE SURE TO LIKE THE ARTICLE & SHARE IT WIDELY
đ˘ The American Fifth Column
Americans Show Surprising Gaps in Knowledge of Nationâs 250th Anniversary Ahead of July 4
A Cato Institute poll conducted with Morning Consult from June 25 to 26 among 2,253 American adults found that 46 percent did not know what Americaâs 250th anniversary commemorates. Just over half, or 53 percent, correctly identified it as marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Among Gen Z respondents, the figure who did not know rose to 61 percent. Most Americans held positive views of the country overall. Some 76 percent expressed a favorable opinion of the founding. Eighty-six percent said they were grateful to be American. Seventy-nine percent reported feeling proud. Sixty-one percent viewed America as the land of opportunity. 74% believed the American dream remained available to them. When asked what children should learn from the anniversary, the top responses included that freedom is rare and must be protected at 28 percent. At 27 percent, patriotism means loyalty to principles rather than to parties or politicians. Americaâs history includes both great achievements and serious injustices at 26 percent. Sixty-seven percent viewed the Founding Fathers favorably overall, though 28 percent of Gen Z described them as self-interested elites seeking power or wealth. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said the country has moved away from its founding principles, with 22 percent saying far away. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percent.
Khanna Pushes Wealth Tax Beyond Billionaires to Fifty Million Dollar Fortunes
Rep. Ro Khanna published a Substack essay this week endorsing Californiaâs proposed one-time 5 percent tax on the stateâs roughly 250 billionaires and clarifying his support for a broader federal wealth tax. He stated that the levy should not stop at billionaires and must reach centimillionaires with a 2 percent annual tax on fortunes above 50 million dollars under the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, which he has cosponsored. The proposal targets net worth, including assets in irrevocable trusts billed to the grantor, and comes amid the California ballot measure set for November. Critics highlight the slippery slope from initial billionaire branding to lower thresholds over time with inflation and automatic rate escalators potentially broadening the tax base further, while enforcement would require extensive IRS audits and valuation of private assets.
Broke New York City Allocates Millions for Transgender Programs and Drag Queen Story Hours
New York City Council approved a $126 billion spending plan that earmarks nearly $7 million for transgender equity initiatives and drag queen story hours. The funds support education programs, employment services, workforce development, healthcare navigation, legal guidance, community workshops, and academic research to empower the transgender and gender-nonconforming community. Specific allocations include $1 million for transitional housing in the Bronx, $705,000 for community health efforts, and $40,000 dedicated to drag queen story hours in schools and libraries. The budget drew criticism for prioritizing these programs while omitting funding for additional police officers that Mayor Zohran Mamdani had promised and amid calls for more focus on basic city services.
Newsom Plans Felony Charges for Ballot Seizures in July Fourth Speech
California Governor Gavin Newsom taped a prerecorded Fourth of July speech set for release on July 4, 2026. He plans to preview legislation making unauthorized ballot seizures a felony. The move responds to past actions by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who seized about 650,000 ballots during a 2024 election investigation later halted by the California Supreme Court. Newsom frames the proposal as protection for Californiaâs election system against interference, including from federal officials or Trump administration criticisms of the stateâs mail-in voting and slow vote-counting processes. The speech also mentions recent budget allocations for faster ballot processing and counters claims of widespread fraud.
Left-Wing Billionaires Fund Trauma-Informed Prosecution Training for Soft-on-Crime Policies
Left-wing billionaires and nonprofits have provided substantial funding to the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The institute trains prosecutors to apply a trauma-informed approach that presumes individuals accused of crimes are dealing with trauma. It encourages alternatives to traditional charging and incarceration. The institute launched in 2015 with seed money from the Manhattan DAâs office. Its advisory board features Soros-backed prosecutors such as Alvin Bragg, Kim Foxx, and George GascĂłn. Since 2020, it has received hundreds of thousands from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Arnold Ventures, the MacArthur Foundation, and support from Microsoftâs Justice Reform Initiative. Training materials direct prosecutors to assume all witnesses, victims, and accused parties experience trauma. They prompt consideration of mental health, substance abuse, diversion programs, and whether prison sentences are proportional. Materials also highlight how the criminal legal system exacerbates trauma in communities of color.
đ International
Eiffel Tower Lights Up for USA 250 Anniversary
The Eiffel Tower in Paris displayed a prominent âUSA 250â message in red, white, and blue on the evening of July 3, 2026, drawing crowds to the Place du TrocadĂŠro to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. The illumination kicked off a summer of Franco-American festivities organized by the City of Paris, positioned midway between the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with sports and cultural events at the forefront. Officials and attendees highlighted the enduring alliance dating back to French support during the Revolutionary War, including the role of the Marquis de Lafayette, and shared values of liberty and democracy that the two nations have defended together through conflicts. Additional activities include flag football sessions, photography exhibitions along the Seine, and a New Orleans brass band performance, underscoring the long-standing transatlantic friendship without regard to occasional political differences.
ISIS Terrorist Arrives In Britain On Small Boat After TikTok Prompt
Mohammed Yaseen, a 35-year-old Iraqi national previously convicted in Germany for membership in Islamic State after attending public beheadings, floggings, and stonings in Iraq, crossed the English Channel on a small boat carrying around 80 migrants on December 13, 2025. Border Force intercepted the vessel, and Yaseen provided false details claiming to be from Kuwait before biometrics identified him. He told officials he chose Britain over France after viewing a TikTok video that assured him the UK accepts everyone and respects human rights. Yaseen was arrested on Christmas Eve, admitted the immigration offense at Winchester Crown Court, and received a two-year prison sentence with a strong likelihood of deportation. Prosecutors described him as high risk across categories due to his terrorist background.
Ships U-Turn Near Hormuz as Iran Pushes Approved Routes on Tankers
At least eight ships, including oil tankers, product carriers, bulk carriers, and vehicle carriers, abruptly reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz while attempting to exit the Persian Gulf along the Omani coast. The vessels turned back between Friday and Saturday before some resumed their transits by shifting northward to a route closer to the Iranian coast in compliance with Tehranâs designated lanes. Iran has warned vessels via VHF radio to follow its authorized routes and asserted itself as the responsible guarantor of security in the waterway. This occurred after the UK and France signaled readiness to support freedom-of-navigation operations, prompting Iranian warnings against foreign military movements. Daily crossings have averaged around 34 vessels recently, though traffic remains below pre-conflict levels amid ongoing fragility in reopening the chokepoint.
US Withdraws Most Troops from Nigeria After Counterterrorism Mission Ends
The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel from Nigeria following the successful completion of a counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin. About 200 American troops deployed there in February 2026 provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, and specialized training to Nigerian forces battling groups like the Islamic State in West Africa Province. US Air Forces in Africa Commander General Dagvin R.M. Anderson confirmed the pullout during a briefing tied to the African Chiefs of Defence Conference, noting that the mission achieved its goals, including the elimination of a top ISIS figure responsible for global operations, media, and recruiting. Washington will continue intelligence sharing and partnership with Nigeria at Abujaâs request while avoiding prolonged large-scale deployments.
Alternative for Germany Party Reelects Co-Leaders Amid Protests
Delegates at the national convention of Germanyâs Alternative for Germany party in Erfurt overwhelmingly reelected co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla on July 4 2026. Weidel received 81 percent of the vote, and Chrupalla received 70 percent in uncontested races as the party sought to project unity. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the event, with some clashing with police while others held signs opposing the party. The gathering took place despite attempts to disrupt it and coincided with the anniversary of a historical Nazi Party meeting nearby, which drew criticism from opponents. The AfD has gained significant support in recent elections and leads national polls while facing a political firewall from mainstream parties and scrutiny from intelligence agencies. Party officials defended their right to assemble and highlighted upcoming state elections where they aim for strong results.
