India, July 6 -- As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the larger question is: can a nation so divided at home continue to project leadership abroad

America turned 250 this weekend, and the birthday came wrapped in fireworks, heat warnings, and a president who could not resist turning it into his own campaign. That combination - genuine national milestone, genuine logistical chaos, and unmistakable self-promotion - tells you almost everything about where the country stands as it enters its next quarter-millennium. The official festivities were real enough.

Crowds gathered on the National Mall after it reopened despite a punishing heatwave. But the anniversary's defining image came a day earlier at Mount Rushmore, where Donald Tru...