As the United States marks its 250th birthday, governments, world leaders, and American diplomatic missions around the globe joined in celebrating the milestone with congratulatory messages, illuminated landmarks, and tributes to the country’s founding.
In France, the Eiffel Tower displayed “USA 250” in lights, while Sri Lanka illuminated Colombo’s Lotus Tower and encouraged residents to share photos of the display. In Japan, the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo glowed red, white, and blue during a Fourth of July reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, was similarly lit in the colors of the American flag, and the Bahamas illuminated parts of Nassau’s harbor and skyline in red, white, and blue.
In Romania, an American flag was projected on the front of a concert hall with “Freedom 250” above it.
Other countries used the occasion to emphasize their ties with the United States. Ecuador celebrated “250 years of ideas, values and freedom” while highlighting the two nations’ partnership in a short video on social media.
World leaders also issued personal messages marking the anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for its support during Ukraine’s war with Russia, writing that he was confident the two nations would “achieve peace” together and adding, “America, thank you.”
United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered his “sincere congratulations” to President Donald Trump, calling America’s founding “a journey of determination and resolve” that continues to underpin the close partnership between the two countries.
AT 250 YEARS, POSTLIBERALISM RISKS UNDOING AMERICA
Even Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to Trump, wishing “all citizens of the United States happiness and prosperity” in a message released by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
Happy 2⃣5⃣0⃣ to the United States!
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!
In April, Their Majesties travelled to Washington DC, New… pic.twitter.com/KXbkKzOEO4
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 4, 2026
The British royal family marked the occasion with a social media post wishing the United States a “Happy 250th” and highlighting their April trip to Washington, D.C., while Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born pontiff, offered “heartfelt congratulations” and urged Americans to reflect not only on the nation’s achievements but also on their responsibilities to future generations.