Severe storms and scorching heat disrupted the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, with organisers ordering an evacuation at the National Mall in Washington before Donald Trump’s rally.

The president appeared after a delay of nearly two hours and delivered a campaign-style speech to mark the milestone, while visitors were told to shelter in nearby museums and federal buildings as bad weather moved in.

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Ceremony gives way to campaign cadence

Trump used the occasion to cast the anniversary as a national triumph and repeated themes familiar from his political rallies.

He praised American achievements, including military victories, the moon landing and the Wright brothers’ flight, while urging Congress to pass stalled legislation that would tighten voting rules.

President Trump said the nation was facing a threat from communism, adding, “We like to stop a threat like that immediately and before it begins. It’s like a cancer – you’ve got to cut it out, and you’ve got to cut it out fast.”

The heavens rather had other plans

The White House and Freedom 250, the Trump-aligned group behind the celebrations, had framed the July 4 event as part of a broader anniversary programme that included military bands, flyovers and fireworks between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Trump had earlier described the gathering on Truth Social as “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a ‘TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’.”

He called the milestone “one of the most joyous and glorious” in US history. Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez told attendees, “Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening” as people were directed to seek shelter.

Nationwide disruptions and criticism

The weather disruptions were not limited to Washington. There were cancellations or alterations in Hartford, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Boston and other cities as heat and storms affected holiday plans.

In Washington, some military flyovers were cancelled and checkpoints were temporarily shut, while the event also drew criticism for its political tone and the sidelining of a nonpartisan anniversary commission.

Even so, crowds returned to the National Mall after the evacuation order, and the celebrations continued under heightened security.

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FAQs

Q1: Why was Donald Trump’s US 250th anniversary rally delayed?

Ans: The rally was delayed after severe storms prompted a temporary evacuation of the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Q2: What happened during the US 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington?

Ans: The celebrations faced disruptions from storms and extreme heat, but resumed later with Donald Trump’s speech, military displays and fireworks.