Trump jokes he's serving 'third term' as he touts military gains during Freedom 250 speech

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joked that he is actually serving a "third term" while highlighting his administration's military record during his Freedom 250 address on the National Mall on Saturday, July 4. 

The remark came as Trump praised the rebuilding of the US military and reflected on operations involving Iran and Venezuela during the Independence Day celebration marking America's 250th anniversary. His speech began after severe weather delayed the evening's festivities. 

Trump makes 'third term' quip while praising military record

While discussing the US military, Trump reflected on what he described as accomplishments achieved during his presidency.

"Our rise to being the world's strongest and most powerful nation was no accident of history. We rebuilt our military in my first term. We used it a little bit in our, actually, I should say third term, but I won't do that because I don't want any controversy," Trump said, in an apparent reference to the 2020 elections, drawing laughter from the audience.

He continued by pointing to recent military operations. "But we use it, and we've had tremendous success. You look at Venezuela, you look at Iran, we wiped it out, wiped out their military," Trump said.

Trump celebrates America's 250th anniversary

Beyond military achievements, Trump framed the address around the nation's founding and its place in world history.

Holding up what he said was one of the earliest American flags, Trump told supporters the banner dated to 1777 and featured the original 13 stars and 13 stripes representing the first states. "Dating back to 1777, it bears the 13 stars and 13 stripes of the 13 states that declared Independence on the Fourth of July," Trump said.

He said the flag had "seen a lot" over the centuries and recalled the "stars and stripes that flew triumphant" during the Battle of Yorktown.

Trump also described the United States as the world's leading nation, saying, "This country is the home of freedom. This is the land of liberty. And this is a flag that's the banner of the most extraordinary, most exceptional, most incredible nation ever to exist on the face of the Earth."

Trump added, "For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all of the nations of the world. All over the world, they try and be like us. Nobody can be like us."