World leaders wish the U.S. a happy 250th birthday

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A woman displays her Freedom USA 250 Years bracelets at The Great American State Fair along the National Mall on July 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Freedom 250-backed Great American State Fair celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States opened at 12 PM today to thousands of people waiting. Temperatures are expected to reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)A woman displays her Freedom USA 250 Years bracelets at The Great American State Fair along the National Mall on July 04, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
1:47 PM – Saturday, July 4, 2026

Several world leaders have wished the United States a happy birthday on its 250th anniversary of independence.

On Saturday, 250 years after the United States declared independence from Britain, the United Kingdom’s royal family wished the U.S. a happy Independence Day.

“Today, America celebrates their 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – it was great to celebrate this milestone with you all earlier in the year!” the royal family posted on X. “In April, Their Majesties travelled to Washington D.C., New York and Virginia on a State Visit to the United States in recognition of the occasion.”

In April, King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of Congress on the House floor, becoming the first British royal to do so. He and Queen Camilla also attended a state dinner at the White House and visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

 

The king also released a statement addressed to President Donald Trump.

“Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people,” he wrote. “As we look ahead to the next 250 years, I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values. The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time.”

 

Pope Leo XIV, who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, also congratulated the United States.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said the Catholic leader. “This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.”

 

“In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people. This same freedom has permitted the Catholic Church to take root and flourish within the United States, to the advantage not only of her own members, but of the entire nation,” his statement continued on X.

“Among the principles that have guided the development of this country is the God-given dignity of every human life, each person being endowed with an inherent worth that calls for reverence, protection and care,” he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a statement celebrating the relationship between the U.S. and its European allies, promising fireworks displays outside of the U.S.

“Today, we join our American friends in celebrating 250 years of independence. The Declaration of Independence gave birth to a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For 250 years, our transatlantic partnership has been shaped by our shared values and family bonds,” she wrote on X. “At times, it has been strengthened by the immense bravery and lives lost in the defense of freedom. The Statue of Liberty remains the enduring symbol of that lasting friendship. So tonight, fireworks will light up the skies on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“250 years since the USA was founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility. Germany and the USA have been connected by a close friendship since time immemorial,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added on X. “Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable.”

Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized “the common fight for a free and safe world” that his country shares with the U.S., which he described as “a nation that has permanently inscribed itself into the history of the struggle for freedom and democracy.”

“Poland and the United States were united by the ideals of freedom as early as the 18th century,” he stated. “Today, our alliance is one of the pillars of Europe’s security and the entire North Atlantic Alliance. I am convinced that thanks to close cooperation between the Presidents of Poland and the United States, it will continue to be strengthened to the benefit of both our nations.”

Nawrocki continued. “I thank President Donald Trump … for his goodwill toward Poland and for our joint efforts to strengthen our strategic partnership.”

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended “sincere congratulations” to President Trump.

“The journey of the United States’ founding is one of determination and resolve, values that continue to underpin the enduring partnership and mutual trust our countries share today,” he wrote. “As we reflect on the future we seek to build together, the UAE remains committed to further fostering its close ties with the U.S. to achieve lasting progress and prosperity for our nations, peoples, and the wider world.”

In a lengthy social media statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of America’s influence on the world, especially in foreign conflicts including Russia’s war with Ukraine.

“Today marks the 250th anniversary of one of humanity’s brightest, strongest, and most influential dreams – the American Dream of an independent, free, and prosperous nation that defends people’s freedom, faith, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Zelensky on X. “That dream has endured many trials. It did not merely survive – it has, for two and a half centuries now, served as an example for other nations and helped the entire humanity stand firm and become freer.”

“In the 21st century, America’s influence and importance are certainly no less. And we see that particularly clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and our people’s right to happiness with much the same hope, the same purpose, and the same determination with which Americans won and defended their own independence,” he continued.

Even Russian President Vladimir Putin chimed in, writing to President Trump, “Donald, I wish you & your loved ones health, well-being & every success, & I wish all citizens of the United States happiness & prosperity.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a video message dedicated to the U.S.

“On behalf of the people of Israel, I wish you all a happy and joyful Independence Day,” Netanyahu said.

“We know that freedom is never cheap. It must be continually purchased. It must be continually defended,” he went on. “America has been the greatest force for liberty the modern world has known. Israel is proud to stand beside her.”

In France, America’s oldest ally, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in red, white and blue, and President Emmanuel Macron posted an image of the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted to the U.S. from France, during a flyover by France’s elite aerobatic team on his X account.

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