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America’s role in world affairs and its special relationships with allies and partners were on full display Saturday as world leaders offered congratulations and praise while the U.S. celebrated its 250th birthday.
“This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere,” The United Kingdom’s King Charles III wrote in a statement . “It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two and a half centuries, and to honour all that has been achieved since 1776.”
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Charles’ “You’d be speaking French joke” quickly went viral. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, extended his “heartfelt congratulations” to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“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,” Leo wrote in a statement.
Pope Leo XIV arrives for the canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
In France, authorities illuminated the Eiffel Tower in red, white and blue in what Paris described as a “heartfelt tribute to America’s 250th anniversary” and “a powerful reminder that the friendship between our two nations dates back to the 18th century.”
German Chancellor Frederik Merz emphasized that the United States was “founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility.
“Germany and the USA have always enjoyed a close friendship. Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable,” he wrote on X.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that July 4th marks “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.”
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry shared a statement from President Vladimir Putin to his American counterpart: “Donald, I wish you and your loved ones health, well-being and every success, and I wish all citizens of the United States happiness and prosperity.”
An FDNY boat sprays its hoses in tribute in front of the Statue of Liberty ahead of an international parade of tall sailing ships in New York Harbor on July 04, 2026 in New York City. The international fleet of ships gathered in New York’s harbor as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. (Vincent Alban/Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday spoke with President Trump to congratulate him and the United States.
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U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“The prime minister said in their conversation that the U.S. is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel greatly values the close ties between nations,” according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee at the American embassy in Jerusalem on Friday.
“I am extremely moved and happy to be here at the American Embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel, at the Embassy which was launched by President Trump in his historic recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” said Herzog. “American Independence is one of the greatest moments in history, and it has changed the fate of humanity.”
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In a letter to Trump, Herzog wrote, “This is also a time to express our deepest appreciation for the unique and unbreakable partnership between the United States of America and Israel. Our two nations draw from the same wellsprings of the Bible, and we share the same fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.”
Argentina’s President Javier Milei attended the U.S. Embassy in Argentina’s Independence Day celebration, which included the national anthems of both countries, live music, and celebrity lookalikes.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted that her country had gifted America 250 cherry trees . “Going forward, Japan and the United States will continue to work together to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries,” she wrote on X.
Hsiao Bi-khim, vice president of Taiwan, threw the first pitch at an American Institute in Taiwan baseball event celebrating America’s founding. “Our countries share beliefs in freedom & democracy, & baseball is loved by both our peoples. Congrats and Happy July 4,” she wrote.
President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan talk on Thursday, May 15. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, said 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.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing the president “continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of the US steady progress and prosperity.”
Pakistan , which is acting as a mediator in ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, extended “warmest congratulations and best wishes to the United States of America and its people on its 250th Independence Day.”
Attendees watch the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Qatar, another mediator in the talks with the Iranian regime, released a statement from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani who sent a cable of “congratulations to HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day.”
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Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said 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. And, at times, it has been strengthened by the immense bravery and lives lost in the defence of freedom,” she added.