President Donald Trump is returning to South Dakota for the America 250 Mount Rushmore fireworks celebration on Friday, July 3.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden said it is an honor to welcome the president to the state.
Said Rhoden, “Together, we will throw the biggest birthday party ever for our nation and celebrate America’s legacy of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.”
This is the first time a fireworks display is being held at Mount Rushmore since 2020. Trump attended that event as well.
The 2020 show was the first fireworks display at the national memorial in more than a decade. The National Park Service discontinued fireworks over wildfire and environmental concerns, plus opposition from Native American tribes.
While the 2020 event brought plenty of fanfare and large attendance, it also sparked protests from Native groups over federal treaty violations, along with concerns over a mass gathering event being held during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the years following, then-Gov. Kristi Noem repeatedly tried to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore, but was rejected by the National Park Service under the Biden administration.
Tickets are required to attend, and were distributed through a public lottery which ended in April.
