To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, President Trump was originally scheduled to deliver his Independence Day address at around 9:45 p.m. Eastern Time. However, due to summer thunderstorms, his speech was delayed until after 11 p.m. before he finally took the stage to deliver his address.
Upon taking office, Trump said, “Goodnight, America. If you think this is easy, you’re wrong.” He then emphasized, “I want to thank everyone because they did the right thing. They saw the lightning. I said, ‘There’s no way I can’t be here. Even if I have to talk to someone at 4 a.m., I’ll be here. We will never be intimidated.'”
The nationally anticipated Independence Day speech was delayed by more than an hour due to inclement weather. Trump had earlier reiterated this via social media: “I will be there no matter what. It’s Saturday night, let’s have a good time, even if it’s late.”
Freedom 250, the organization that organized the National Mall Independence Day celebrations, said that crowds who had been ordered to evacuate by police could re-enter the venue. Reports indicate that many tourists queued for hours to get to the site, not only having to undergo strict security checks but also enduring temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The record-breaking heatwave in Washington, D.C. , has already forced the cancellation of many parades and other celebrations.
After his speech, Trump will attend what is touted as the “world’s largest fireworks display.” The organizers will launch 850,000 fireworks from ten locations around Washington, D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Potomac River barge, and West Potomac Park, in a fireworks show that will last for about 40 minutes.
