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Severe storms force evacuations, disrupt Trump July Fourth show

cultureJul 5, 2026388,440

Severe thunderstorms with lightning and dark clouds forced thousands of spectators to evacuate the National Mall and delay President Donald Trump’s July Fourth Freedom 250/Salute to America celebration. Organizers reopened the gates several hours later and Trump took the stage shortly after 11 p.m., opening by thanking the crowd for returning and saying, "I feel so badly about some people. They left it, they couldn't get back, but you're very special people." Hundreds remained stuck in long security lines and many could not re-enter in time for his remarks. In a roughly 40-minute address Trump recalled the nation’s founding, portrayed America in a "golden age," pressed Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, and repeatedly branded opponents on the left as "communists." The fireworks show billed as the largest ever began as Trump returned to the VIP area; rain and smoke filled the Mall as attendees dispersed afterward.

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