Trump vows to deliver July 4th speech despite weather chaos

President Donald Trump vowed to deliver his highly anticipated speech marking America's 250th birthday in Washington on Saturday, "no matter what," despite severe weather forcing the temporary evacuation of huge crowds. Tens of thousands who braved record-breaking heat on the Fourth of July were ordered to clear the National Mall hours before the address due to approaching thunderstorms.

“

"Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting! We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning."

As many began to leave, chaos erupted when some attendees refused to depart or attempted to re-enter the area, shouting slogans. Trump, who has sought to imprint his political brand on the anniversary of the nation's founding, stated on his Truth Social account that storms bring luck and make events more exciting. "I will be there no matter what, but the 'what' usually turns out to be a good thing. It's Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight," he wrote.

“

"I will be there no matter what, but the 'what' usually turns out to be a good thing. It's Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight."

Later, a White House official and the Freedom 250 organizing group confirmed Trump was set to deliver the address at 11 p.m. on the National Mall, followed by fireworks. Earlier, police had urged thousands of holdouts to evacuate, facing resistance from some, including families with infants. As people began to reassemble, national guard troops and Secret Service agents managed crowd control amid pushing at barricades.

“

"We are evacuating! Move!"

Trump had organized extensive military flyovers and a campaign-style rally for the July 4th celebration, with a 40-minute fireworks show advertised as the largest ever. The capital experienced record temperatures, reaching 103F (39.4C), as a heatwave affected much of the eastern U.S., with 160 million Americans under extreme weather warnings. The heat had already disrupted traditional Independence Day festivities like parades and barbecues. "The event and what it means to our country, it inspires you," said Randy Cole, a retired civil servant attending the Washington festivities. "Experiencing a little heat is a lot less than what a lot of people sacrifice to give us this freedom in this awesome country."

“

"The event and what it means to our country, it inspires you. Experiencing a little heat is a lot less than what a lot of people sacrifice to give us this freedom in this awesome country."