America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of Our Victory in the Mexican-American War

Today marks the 178th anniversary of our Nation's triumph in the Mexican-American War-a legendary victory that secured the American Southwest, reasserted American sovereignty, and expanded the promise of American independence across our majestic continent.

Guided by the steadfast belief that our Nation was destined by divine providence to expand to the golden shores of the Pacific Ocean, following the bloody War of 1812, the United States was confidently advancing westward and boldly emerging as a continental superpower unlike anything the modern world had ever seen. By the spring of 1846, the people of Texas overwhelmingly wished to join the United States-forcing a reckoning over unsettled border disputes. That April, Mexican forces launched an ambush along the Rio Grande, killing or wounding 16 American troops.

With the promise of Manifest Destiny beating in every American heart, President James K. Polk took swift action to defend our Nation's security, our dignity, and our rightful borders. In May of 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, with two American titans-Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott-leading the charge. Despite being vastly outnumbered in battle, American forces consistently reigned victorious through their superior military strategy, modern military capabilities, and steadfast devotion to protecting national interests. After a series of victories in the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico, in a triumphant victory for American sovereignty, the United States heroically captured the capital of Mexico City in September of 1847-paving the way to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, formally ceding the State of Texas to our Nation and admitting new territory into the union that would eventually become the southwestern United States.

Since taking office as the 47th President of the United States, guided by our victory on the fields of Mexico 178 years ago, I have spared no effort in defending our southern border against invasion, upholding the rule of law, and protecting our homeland from forces of evil, violence, and destruction. My Administration is halting the flow of deadly drugs entering our country through Mexico, ending the invasion of illegal aliens along our southern border, and dismantling narco-terrorist networks all across the Western hemisphere. I have secured historic trade deals with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala, allowing greater and more streamlined market access. We stopped a hostile foreign power from controlling the Panama Canal. We are reestablishing American maritime dominance. And we are aggressively pursuing an America First policy of peace through strength and will continue to reassert the Monroe Doctrine and Trump Corollary to ensure regions essential to our national security remain safe, prosperous, and free. We will never waver in putting our people, our interests, and our country first.

On this anniversary of one of our Nation's earliest displays of military might-and particularly as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence-we honor the memory of the brave men who gave their lives in service to our Nation. One hundred and seventy-eight years later, their legacy lives on in our enduring strength, our commitment to sovereignty, and the unmatched power of the American spirit.