Trump delivers 250th anniversary speech at National Mall
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the National Mall in Washington DC to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, with fireworks displays amid storms and protests, and low approval ratings.
The Full Story
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Trump delivers 250th anniversary speech at National Mall after weather delays
President Donald Trump delivered a speech on the National Mall in Washington DC to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, but the event was heavily disrupted by extreme heat and thunderstorms. Thousands of people were evacuated from the Mall for several hours after organisers issued a warning about approaching severe weather. The crowd, which had endured temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), was told to seek shelter in nearby buildings. The evacuation was chaotic, with mixed messaging from organisers and some scuffles between police and attendees. Many people chanted "USA" in frustration. The storm did not arrive for several hours, and eventually the crowd was allowed back in. The president's speech, originally scheduled for the evening, finally took place around 11pm local time.
In his address, Trump struck a largely nonpartisan tone at the start, celebrating America's achievements and saying the American dream was back. He described the anniversary as "one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time" and promised a record-breaking fireworks display. However, he also veered into political territory, attacking Democrats and claiming the country was winning like never before. He referenced his military actions in Venezuela and Iran, saying "we wiped it out". He made a joke about a third term, quickly correcting himself. The speech was shorter than expected, and many of the planned musical performers, including CeeLo Green and Lynyrd Skynyrd, were dropped due to the delays.
The fireworks display, billed as the largest in history, went ahead at midnight, lighting up the Washington skyline. Earlier in the day, a far-right group called Patriot Front marched in Washington, and in New York the Brooklyn Bridge caught fire during the fireworks display. The celebrations were also marked by low approval ratings for the president, with polls showing pride in America at a 25-year low. Some attendees expressed concern about the direction of the country, while others remained staunchly supportive. The event was the centrepiece of a weekend of celebrations across the US, including a naval review in New York and a speech at Mount Rushmore the previous night.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC NEWS | BBC One | Sky News |
|---|---|---|---|
| The event in Washington was delayed and evacuated due to the threat of thunderstorms. | |||
| A poll indicated that pride in America has fallen to a 25-year low. | · | · | |
| Masked men from the far-right group Patriot Front marched in Washington. | · | · | |
| The Brooklyn Bridge caught fire during the fireworks display in New York. | · | · | |
| The fireworks display was billed as the largest ever. | · | · | |
| Trump claimed to have wiped out the military of Venezuela and Iran. | · | · | |
| Trump joked about a third term before correcting himself. | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News focused heavily on the weather disruption and the chaotic evacuation, with live on-the-ground reporting from correspondent Rich Preston. The tone was factual and detailed, highlighting the mixed messaging from organisers, the anger of the crowd, and the logistical challenges of re-admitting people. Later segments covered the eventual speech and the political controversy, including an interview with a history professor who contrasted Trump's approach with past presidents.
- “The weather has played absolute havoc with today's events.”
- “It was a bit of a chaotic announcement. It wasn't quite clear when people should leave, where they should go.”
- “If past is prologue, we'll hear the president use words that unite Americans rather than divide them.”
Sky News framed the day as having 'it all' – fireworks, flyovers, wild weather, and political debate. The report by David Blevins emphasised the contrast between the celebratory mood and the challenges (heat, storm, protests, Brooklyn Bridge fire). It also highlighted the polarised debate about patriotism and the president's agenda. The tone was narrative and slightly dramatic, with a focus on the broader meaning of the anniversary.
- “Better late than never. The storm had done its best to rain on America's parade, but they weren't canceling a fireworks show 250 years in the making.”
- “A very different 4th of July, but then America has a very different president.”
- “The challenges facing the organizers of these events reflect the broader challenges facing America, a nation marking its big birthday with increasing debate about what it means to be patriotic in a polarized place.”
BBC ONE West provided multiple reports focusing on the heatwave, the delayed speech, and the political content of Trump's address. The tone was balanced but noted the president's shift from nonpartisan to political themes. The reports included interviews with attendees and a segment on the broader mood of the country, including low approval ratings and concerns about freedom. The coverage also mentioned the Mount Rushmore event and the controversy over Trump's self-comparison to the presidents carved there.
- “On a landmark birthday, a monumental celebration. All choreographed to show the strength of a nation by land, by sea and by air.”
- “The president struck a largely nonpartisan tone celebrating America's achievements.”
- “Donald Trump's poll ratings hit an all-time low thanks to the war in Iran and the inflation it caused.”
Broadcast Timeline
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