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Severe storms force evacuations, disrupt Trump July Fourth show

cultureJul 5, 2026275,383

Severe thunderstorms forced thousands to evacuate the National Mall, delaying President Donald Trump’s July Fourth program and opening gates only several hours later. Organizers reopened the area and Trump took the stage shortly after 11 p.m., opening by thanking those who returned and saying "I feel so badly about some people" who could not get back in. During a roughly 40-minute address he recalled the nation’s founding, praised the economy, urged passage of the SAVE America Act, and repeatedly branded left-leaning opponents "communists." Large crowds remained stuck in long security lines while others watched from further back near the Washington Monument, which was lit with the word FREEDOM in all caps. The fireworks, billed as the largest ever, began as Trump returned to his VIP seat; rain began to fall and many attendees left after the long day.

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