President Donald Trump used a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Friday evening to warn that the United States faces what he described as a renewed “communist menace,” as the nation marked the eve of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Speaking beneath the granite carvings of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, Trump combined patriotic themes with sharp criticism of what he characterized as a growing communist movement in the country.

“You can be loyal to Karl Marx or you can be loyal to America. You can be a communist or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both,” Trump told the crowd.

Although he did not identify specific individuals, the president has recently criticized democratic socialist candidates who won primary elections in New York, accusing them of seeking to undermine traditional American values.

During his address, Trump described communism as “a mortal threat to American liberty,” comparing it to the dangers posed by the September 11 terrorist attacks and calling it an enemy of both the U.S. Constitution and the ideals of July 4, 1776.

“So on the eve of this 250th anniversary of American heritage, we resolve and swear for all to hear that the citizens of the United States of America will vanquish communism quickly,” he said.

Stormy weather, including hail and heavy rain, briefly interrupted pre-event activities and forced attendees to seek shelter before skies cleared ahead of the president’s arrival.

Trump made a dramatic entrance as Air Force One flew behind the monument before landing nearby.

Addressing the audience, he praised the nation’s founders and the four presidents honored on the memorial.

“We come to this beautiful mountain to express our gratitude to those who made it possible, starting with the four men most responsible for reaching this milestone,” Trump said.

The celebration concluded with a fireworks display over Mount Rushmore after thousands of attendees, who had secured tickets through a public lottery, remained for the festivities.

Trump did not mention long-running speculation about adding his likeness to the monument.

During his first term, former South Dakota congresswoman and later Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recalled that Trump had once expressed interest in seeing his face added to Mount Rushmore.

In 2020, while serving as governor, Noem presented Trump with a four-foot model of the monument that included his likeness.

Previous reports also indicated White House aides had explored the possibility of expanding the memorial, though Trump denied making a formal request while later remarking that the idea “sounds like a good idea to me.”

Experts have long maintained that adding another presidential face to Mount Rushmore is not feasible.

Lead sculptor Gutzon Borglum wrote during construction that the mountain’s geological limitations made it impossible to include a fifth figure.

More recently, Mike Rounds said geological studies have confirmed there is insufficient suitable rock to carve another presidential monument, noting that similar discussions had once been held regarding former President Ronald Reagan.