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[POLITICS] · United States · 100 sources

Washington National Mall evacuation as thunderstorms disrupt US 250th Independence Day celebrations

Severe thunderstorms hit Washington, D.C., on July 4 2026, forcing police to evacuate the National Mall during the "Salute to America 250" celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary of independence. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he would not let the rain stop the festivities and later delivered his Independence Day speech late at night after the venue reopened. The event featured a fireworks display of 850,000 shells, billed as the largest in U.S. history, along with a "Great American State Fair" that included a Ferris wheel and displays by conservative groups.

Similar weather disruptions caused cancellations or time changes for celebrations in other East‑Coast cities, including Hartford (CT), Harrisburg and Wilkes‑Barre (PA), Boston (MA), Philadelphia (PA) and Pittsburgh (PA). Record heat—up to 102 °F (39 °C)—added to the challenges. The crowd also saw the presence of far‑right groups such as Patriot Front. In his remarks Trump attacked communism, promoted his "SAVE America" election‑reform bill and framed the anniversary as a showcase of American strength.

Despite the chaos, thousands returned to the Mall after the storm passed, and the fireworks proceeded, marking a high‑profile, politically charged national celebration.

Sources

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