- Thousands were evacuated from the National Mall due to storm warnings, with orders to leave the area.
- Trump delivered his speech after 11pm, following a delay and performances by Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood.
- The United States marked its 250th birthday with fireworks, flyovers (including the new Air Force One), and a Trump speech, but the event was delayed by a thunderstorm that forced evacuation of the National Mall.
- A severe heat wave broiled Washington under 100°F (37°C) and caused power outages affecting nearly 750,000 in the east and 150,000 in New Jersey.
- Donald Trump refused to cancel the 250th birthday celebrations despite a severe weather warning, insisting the show would go on.
- In Washington, about 400 members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front marched in unison carrying US flags.
- Bipartisan America 250 celebrations included a gathering of Congress at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a naturalization ceremony at Mount Vernon welcoming 150 people from 50 countries, and the hot dog eating contest where Joey Chestnut won his 18th title eating 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
- All four living former US presidents shared messages: Joe Biden said 'we chose that path 250 years ago but that's where the work began, not where it ended'; Bill Clinton noted the celebration occurs 'amid another period of deep division'.
Severe storms disrupted America's 250th birthday celebrations on July 4, leading to the evacuation of the National Mall. Despite the chaos, Donald Trump vowed to continue the festivities, stating, "I will be there no matter what." The event, marked by performances and a fireworks display, was delayed due to a thunderstorm.1256910
As the day unfolded, temperatures soared above 100F (37C) in Washington, part of a broader heat wave affecting the eastern U.S. The storm caused significant power outages, with nearly 750,000 people losing electricity in the region, according to Power Outage tracker.78
Trump addressed a soggy crowd after 11 PM, emphasizing America's role as a force for peace and justice. He stated, "This country has been the greatest force for peace and justice on earth in the last century." The celebrations also included a flyover featuring the new Air Force One jet and a concert.
In Philadelphia, Congress members commemorated the signing of the Declaration of Independence, while in New York City, Joey Chestnut won his 18th hot dog-eating contest, consuming 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, former presidents shared messages reflecting on the nation's history and current challenges, with President Joe Biden noting, "We chose that path 250 years ago but that's where the work began, not where it ended."151617
“A heat wave broiled Washington under 100°F, causing power outages for nearly 750,000 in the east and 150,000 in New Jersey. All four living former US presidents shared messages; Biden said 'we chose that path 250 years ago but that's where the work began, not where it ended'.”
