The US celebrates its 250th anniversary of Independence Day on July 4th.
As the nation hits this major milestone, what is the actual state of the superpower under President Donald Trump?
In this special episode, co-host and senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan takes a bird's-eye view of her home country and explores how it is viewed abroad.
Drawing on nearly two decades of reporting from the frontlines of US foreign policy - from the rise of authoritarian China to the fires of the Middle East - she joins Roland Oliphant to examine its superpower status and whether the American Dream is still a reality or just a mirage.
Plus, reports that the US stepped in to block an Israeli plot to assassinate Iran’s top peace negotiators and IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi makes a rare public appearance as the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei begins today.
Highlights
Sophia Yan on America at 250: The collapse of a superpower?
US stops Israel ‘plot’ to kill Iran's top negotiators
CONTRIBUTORS:
Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Inside the crumbling court of King Donald
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/03/inside-the-crumbling-court-of-king-donald/
On its 250th birthday, the US is still defined by its fault lines
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/07/its-250th-birthday-us-still-defined-its-fault-lines
Producer: Max Bower
Video Producer: James England
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey
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