Trump warns of communist threat as Washington parade cancelled

The United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday against a backdrop of political polarisation and a severe heatwave sweeping parts of the country. President Donald Trump is set to play a central role, speaking on the National Mall in Washington before a large fireworks display. On Friday, Trump visited Mount Rushmore, where he delivered a speech on the threat of communism in the US. "Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty," Trump said. "It is the greatest threat to our country." In Washington, the Great American State Fair was closed for several hours on Friday afternoon during the worst of the heat. The city's Independence Day parade, scheduled for Saturday, has been cancelled as temperatures in the capital are expected to reach 46°C. Elsewhere, fireworks are planned for Saturday evening above Navy Pier in Chicago and in New York. A series of devastating wildfires continues to impact the western US, particularly in Colorado and Utah. The fires have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and destroyed more than 160 structures. The National Guard has been deployed to support security operations in affected areas. Weather conditions are markedly better on the other side of the country: the Pacific Northwest enjoyed temperatures around 15°C on Friday with light showers.