Trump Takes Stage After Storm Delays Independence Day Speech
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech in Washington D.C. celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
- The event, held at National Mall, was delayed due to thunderstorms, but Trump expressed his willingness to wait for the right moment to speak.
- Over 10,000 attendees had to evacuate the park for several hours due to severe weather before the president took the stage.
President Donald Trump eventually took the stage in Washington D.C.'s National Mall to address the nation, albeit significantly later than planned due to severe thunderstorms. The event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, faced a considerable delay as lightning and high winds swept through the area.
Despite the inclement weather, Trump conveyed a message of resilience, stating his readiness to wait for the opportune moment to deliver his remarks. "We can in no way let ourselves be stopped," he declared, emphasizing his commitment to proceed with the celebration. The president arrived on stage around 11:15 p.m. local time, long after the initial schedule.
We can in no way let ourselves be stopped.
The ceremony saw over 10,000 attendees evacuated from the National Mall for several hours as a safety precaution against the storm. These individuals sought shelter in nearby buildings, waiting for the weather to clear before the president's address could commence. Reports indicated that the area experienced strong gusts of wind and visible lightning.
Trump's speech, though delayed, proceeded with the president thanking those present for their perseverance. He recounted his resolve during the storm, saying, "I want to thank everyone for doing the right thing. They saw lightning, and I said, 'This can't be. If we have to speak in front of one person at 4 in the morning, I'm here. We can in no way let ourselves be stopped."
I want to thank everyone for doing the right thing. They saw lightning, and I said, 'This can't be. If we have to speak in front of one person at 4 in the morning, I'm here. We can in no way let ourselves be stopped.'
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.