Trump visits Mount Rushmore for US 250th anniversary as LA hosts rival concert

President Donald Trump inaugurated the United States’ 250th‑birthday weekend on Friday with a visit to Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument in South Dakota that many observers have long speculated he might want his own likeness added to its carved faces. The trip, part of a broader series of events marking the nation’s sesquicentennial, placed the former president at the historic site as part of a schedule that includes speeches and public appearances aimed at highlighting American heritage.

At the same time, a separate celebration unfolded in Los Angeles, where a concert hosted by Queen Latifah featured performances by country star Chris Stapleton and alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins. The event, described by France 24’s Rochelle Ferguson‑Bouyahi, offered a cultural counterpoint to the presidential itinerary, drawing a diverse audience to honor the milestone with music and entertainment. Both gatherings underscore the varied ways the nation is commemorating its 250th anniversary.