Trump celebrates Fourth of July in National Mall address, repeatedly touches on politics
News
Weather delayed Trump’s address celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
President Donald Trump on Saturday delivered a Fourth of July address from the National Mall, praising the American spirit and the founders who fought the British 250 years ago to pave the path to American independence — hours after the event was delayed by weather in the nation’s capital.
Taking the stage at 11:15 p.m., an hour and 15 minutes after originally planned, the president said, “Tonight we pledge allegiance to the flag they gave us, and we say, God bless the immortal patriots of 1776. And long live the cause of independence.”
Details
The president brought up present-day politics. During the speech, he promoted his signature SAVE America Act, which would drastically change the administration of American elections just months out from the midterms, and repeatedly railed against communism.
During his speech, Trump touted several historic flags that hung on the stage behind him, including an original 1777 flag and the flag that draped over President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin. The president had multiple veterans and Medal of Honor recipients from various American wars come onto stage at several points to salute the historic flags.
The speech, which culminated in a flyover and a massive fireworks display, came following a major disruption to the show as crowds who waited for hours in the record heat were forced to evacuate the grounds due to thunderstorms hitting Washington, D.C.
Analysis
The preliminary high temperature in Washington, D.C., Saturday was 102 degrees — making it the hottest July Fourth on record for the city, according to ABC News’ meteorologists. It broke the previous record high of 100 degrees set on July 4, 1919.
At times during the evacuation, there was confusion among the crowd as the dispersal orders were announced.
The president thanked the crowd for their patience.
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