The United States celebrated its 250th birthday on Saturday, with world leaders offering congratulations and praise. King Charles III of the United Kingdom wrote a statement expressing his admiration for the country's remarkable journey and achievements since 1776.
Pope Leo XIV extended his heartfelt congratulations to the American people, acknowledging the importance of freedom of religion in the country's founding principles. France illuminated the Eiffel Tower in red, white, and blue in tribute to the anniversary, while President Emmanuel Macron posted a picture of the Statue of Liberty during a flyover by France's elite aerobatic team.
Other leaders also took to social media to express their well-wishes, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the United States' founding on freedom, democracy, and responsibility. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that July 4th marks one of humanity's brightest dreams – the American Dream of an independent, free, and prosperous nation.
The Russian Foreign Ministry shared a statement from President Vladimir Putin to his American counterpart, wishing the president and his loved ones health, well-being, and every success. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Trump to congratulate him and the United States, highlighting the close ties between their nations, built on shared values and interests.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the American embassy in Jerusalem, expressing his appreciation for the unique and unbreakable partnership between the United States and Israel. Herzog wrote in a letter to Trump that their nations draw from the same wellsprings of the Bible and share fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
Other leaders from around the world also extended their congratulations, including Argentina's President Javier Milei, who attended the U.S. Embassy's Independence Day celebration in Argentina. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted that her country had gifted America 250 cherry trees, while Hsiao Bi-khim, vice president of Taiwan, threw the first pitch at an American Institute in Taiwan baseball event celebrating America's founding.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, praised the United States' founding as a journey of determination and resolve. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing the president and his country steady progress and prosperity. Pakistan extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the United States of America and its people on its 250th Independence Day.
Qatar released a statement from Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who sent a cable of congratulations to President Trump. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted his country's best wishes on social media, extending his warmest congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on the historic 250th anniversary of their Independence.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, praised the Declaration of Independence as a birthplace of a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. She noted that for 250 years, the transatlantic partnership has been shaped by shared values and family bonds, strengthened by bravery and lives lost in the defence of freedom.
