'America is back': Johnson shares patriotic message as US celebrates 250th anniversary

 FILE - Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on June 30, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (TNND) — House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Americans to celebrate the Fourth of July, calling the U.S. "the greatest nation in the history of the world," while also encouraging citizens to reflect on the country's founding principles ahead of its 250th anniversary.

The Louisiana Republican acknowledged the challenges facing the nation, but said Americans have "so many reasons" to celebrate.

"This is a great day, great week to be an American," Johnson said during a news conference ahead of the holiday. "

"America is back right now, and there's so many reasons to be excited and to celebrate with your family and friends."

Johnson said the nation's founding documents remain central to the country's identity, pointing to the Declaration of Independence's assertion that "all men are created equal."

 

He argued that the phrase reflects the belief that rights are granted by God rather than government, saying the founders intentionally declared that people are "created equal" and endowed with "unalienable rights" including "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Johnson described the Declaration as a revolutionary statement that established the United States as a nation founded on equality of opportunity and the inherent dignity of every individual.

"We're still a grand experiment in self-governance," Johnson said, adding that Americans are the "stewards" of the principles laid out by the nation's founders.

The speaker also encouraged Americans to "celebrate freedom," "the great blessings we have to be in this country," and the nation's accomplishments.

"We've got challenges, of course. We're working through those every day, but there is no reason not to celebrate," he said. "There is no reason to be depressed in any way. We recognize 250 years is still an experiment. We're still a grand experiment in self-governance."