President Donald Trump marked the United States’ 250th anniversary with a late Fourth of July address on the National Mall after storms forced a temporary evacuation and delayed the evening program, CNN reported.
Officials had urged attendees to seek shelter as thunderstorms moved through Washington, D.C. Crowds later returned for the speech and fireworks, following a day already shaped by extreme heat, long entry lines, and heightened security.
Speaking from the National Mall, Trump praised American history, military service, and national achievements. Veterans were honored during the event, and the program included patriotic displays tied to major moments in U.S. history.
The celebration was part of a larger anniversary effort surrounding America’s semiquincentennial. The event also drew attention for its political tone, with Trump using parts of the address to criticize communism and call for changes to voting rules.
The fireworks show followed the speech and capped a day of celebrations that mixed national pageantry with weather disruptions and public debate over how the milestone was being presented.
