President Trump opened the July 4th 250th anniversary commemorations with a patriotic address at Mount Rushmore, praising American culture while cautioning against what he described as a renewed “communist menace.”

Speaking Friday night before the granite-carved likenesses of four former presidents, Mr. Trump argued that the nation’s identity is facing an assault from communist ideas. He singled out what he labeled “radicals” and “extremists” who, he said, target American history.

“There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success,” the president said. “You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both.”

“You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built, you must love our country,” Mr. Trump told the crowd gathered in South Dakota.

Following his remarks on the threat he said communism poses, the president turned to election policy, saying Republicans’ path to winning the midterms depends on eliminating the filibuster and approving the SAVE America Act. The measure would require people registering to vote to show proof of U.S. citizenship and to present valid photo identification before casting a ballot.

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“As we march into our 250th year, incredible, beautiful year it will be, we must never forget: There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people,” Mr Trump said.

Defining what he sees as American culture, Mr. Trump said, “Americans love freedom. We cherish independence, and we know that we are the heirs to the most beautiful land, the most thrilling story, and the most precious legacy on which the sun has ever shined in America. We do not need anyone’s permission to say what we think, and to live as we please, to worship as we choose, or to keep and bear arms.”