US celebrates 250 years of independence amid polarising political landscape

U.S. President Donald Trump praised America's military strength and national identity while warning against what he described as the threat of communism during his Independence Day address at the America 250 celebration late Saturday.

President Donald Trump delivered a 37-minute speech for America's 250th birthday after a weather delay in the dark of night that was lit up by a Guinness world-record-setting fireworks display stretching from July 4 into July 5 at Washington, D.C.'s National Mall.

But another storm was brewing after prominent Democrat Harry Sissons accused the 47th US president of "falling asleep" during celebrations.

Thousands gathered along the National Mall to watch the display after earlier storms forced a temporary evacuation of the area and disrupted celebrations in parts of the East Coast.