Donald Trump to Headline Mount Rushmore 250th Anniversary Fireworks

Donald Trump will headline the America 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration on July 3, 2026, as part of a broader anniversary program emphasizing patriotism and pageantry. The event marks the first fireworks display at the national memorial since 2020 and will feature military bands, flyovers, and a presidential keynote address. Attendance is limited to approximately 4,000 to 4,800 guests selected via a public lottery.

The celebration was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement between South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This visit is part of a multi-state trip that begins on July 1 with the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. State officials intend to use the high-profile visit to boost South Dakota's tourism industry and increase its competitiveness with the agriculture sector.

Preparation for the event involves coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure security. However, the celebration faces opposition from the Oglala Sioux tribe, which issued a resolution against the fireworks citing environmental concerns and unfulfilled federal promises. The National Park Service will restrict public access to the memorial on July 2 and 3 to accommodate the festivities, while the South Dakota Department of Tourism has prepared alternative plans in case fire conditions make the launch too dangerous.