Trump touts America as ‘nation of winners,’ slams communism in July Fourth speech

President Donald Trump insisted his much-touted July Fourth show on the National Mall would go on despite severe weather that threw the event into chaos.

It was supposed to be the largest Fourth of July celebration in recent history, featuring a record-breaking fireworks display and a speech by Trump himself.

But for all the president could control, he couldn’t control the weather. Thousands of spectators had to evacuate the National Mall as lightning and dark clouds rolled over the White House toward the celebration area surrounding the Washington Monument.

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Watch Trump's full remarks at the Salute to America 250 event in Washington, D.C., celebrating the nation's milestone anniversary. The president's speech was delayed as weather in the area forced those in attendance to evacuate earlier in the day.

Watch President Trump's full speech at the Salute to America 250 event

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As the fireworks show continues, it’s starting to drizzle again here in Washington. Some folks are starting to head for the exits after a very long day.

Finn Gomez / Getty Images

Applause broke out in the crowd as fireworks lit up the sky at the National Mall following Trump's address. People have their phones out, capturing the moment.

Win McNamee / Getty Images

It seems like it is in a rather concentrated area. The air already looks pretty thick with smoke in the direction of the fireworks, and the wind seems to be pushing the smoke away from the celebration.

Trump finished his speech honoring America's semiquincentennial in under 40 minutes.

Trump uses America’s 250 speech to honor military heroes and also push political agendas

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The president reflected on the country's history, honored veterans and promoted the SAVE America Act during his address.

Attendees now await a fireworks show on the National Mall.

Some folks are beginning to leave the event grounds even as Trump continues to give his address at the "Salute to America" event in Washington, D.C., after an hourslong weather delay.

Finn Gomez / Getty Images

While some people are leaving, others are still going through the security checkpoints where all attendees had to re-enter after being ordered to shelter from the weather earlier this evening.

As Trump's speech continues, it appears that the security line is not moving. Some people waiting in line are signing along to Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Still reeling from a number of key setbacks at the Supreme Court, Trump said tonight that passing legislation requiring voters IDs at the polls is necessary to keep American great.

"All voters must provide a little thing called proof of citizenship, and there will be no mail-in ballots, except for illness, disability, military deployment or travel, and you won’t have cheating on the elections anymore," he said to some cheers from the crowd. "It’s very simple."

Republicans in the Senate do not have enough votes to either pass the so-called SAVE America Act or kill the chamber’s rule requiring 60 senators to overcome a filibuster.

Trump touts SAVE America Act during Salute to America 250 speech

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Trump tonight condemned communism in his speech, contrasting the "freedoms" of America to the "talks from communists" that he said threaten them.

"Communism is a loser, and it always will be. The communist system is the opposite of the American system, and the communist system has never worked," Trump said. "We like to stop a threat like that immediately, and before it begins, it's like a cancer, you got to cut it out, you got to cut it out fast."

Trump: 'We don't want Communists in our country'

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The president said that America's history showed that it would "never let anyone take our freedom away."

"Won't happen, and all these talks from the communists, they haven't got a chance, not even a chance. We don't want communists in our country — never worked, and it never will work," Trump said.

Trump is speaking now to a crowd filling the National Mall after being delayed by inclement weather.

"Good evening, America. If you think that was easy, it wasn't," the president said as he began his address.

Trump thanks those who stayed for his remarks after weather delays

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"I want to thank everybody, because they did the right thing. They saw lightning, and I said, 'There's no way. If we have to speak in front of one person at 4 o'clock in the morning, I'm going to be here. There's no way we can be deterred,'" Trump said.

A robust crowd is filtering into the National Mall as Trump is set to take the stage for his remarks honoring America's 250th birthday.

Despite the hourslong delay due to approaching severe storms, audience members who returned to the venue do not appear to be deterred and are signing and dancing along to musical performances ahead of the president's address.

Christopher Macchio performed "Ave Maria" ahead of a performance of "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood.

Trump can be seen inside the VIP booth on the National Mall now, speaking with First Lady Melania Trump, sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and others ahead of his expected speech.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump, granddaughter Kai Trump and daughter-in-law Bettina Trump can also be seen in the VIP area.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin were also seen speaking with the president.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and his wife Kelly later joined the president in the VIP booth.

In a lower level of the VIP booth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are also seen in attendance.

Crowds are growing frustrated at the lack of direction and are beginning to push forward as they wait to pass through the main security checkpoint ahead of Trump's speech on the National Mall.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

Some are getting angry at others for cutting the line, while others are just excited to see the president, who just announced he is here.

The Secret Service said earlier this evening that all attendees who evacuated the venue due to orders to shelter from approaching severe storms would have to go through security screenings again.

"The Secret Service is working to make screening as smooth as possible," the agency said in a post on X earlier tonight.

Trump has arrived at the National Mall for his planned remarks to celebrate America's semiquincentennial after thousands of attendees were ordered to shelter from approaching severe storms in D.C. earlier this evening.

"I’M HERE!!!" the president wrote in a Truth Social post at 10:16 p.m. ET, an hour after he said in a separate post that he would give his speech tonight "no matter what."

Freedom 250 said in a statement tonight that Trump is expected to give his address at 11 p.m. ET despite the inclement weather.

The National Mall has reopened after crowds sheltered due to severe weather in Washington, D.C. President Trump is expected to deliver his speech as planned. NBC News’ Gabe Gutierrez reports on what to expect from the "Salute to America 250" celebration.

National Mall reopens after crowds shelter amid severe weather in D.C.

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Evacuees from the "Salute to America 250" event in Washington, D.C., came together to sing the "The Star-Spangled Banner" inside the Reagan Building as they sheltered from weather.

Watch: Salute to America event evacuees sing National Anthem

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No amount of heat or rain could prevent people from celebrating America's 250th birthday, even after evacuation orders were issued earlier in the day.

Karen Perry from North Carolina said she fainted from the heat and was given an IV drip at a medical tent. She told staff that she wouldn't leave "until I see this," she told NBC News.

"It's 250 years of America, and I love America," she said.

A woman from Boston said she was disappointed but not surprised rain briefly put a damper on Washington's big day.

"We have ponchos. We'll be alright," she said, referring to her baby. "We'll just make do."

Trump said that he will give his July 4 remarks tonight "no matter what" as thousands of attendees in Washington, D.C., continue to shelter in place due to approaching severe storms in the area.

"Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting!" the president wrote in a post on Truth Social. "We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 o’clock in the morning, or in one hour from now."

"It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight. They say 11:00 o’clock for the speech. Who cares???" Trump wrote.

Concertgoers at the "One Philly: Unity Concert for America" in Philadelphia were instructed to seek shelter and evacuate the festival area as severe weather is expected to hit the city tonight.

"Due to approaching severe weather, all persons should move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit and proceed to your vehicle and protected areas outside of the festival site. Please seek shelter for your safety," an announcement said at the festival area.

The delay comes as a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs until 9:30 p.m.

Special Report: Severe weather affects July Fourth events in D.C., New York and Philadelphia

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The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show will begin earlier than originally planned due to severe weather expected in the New York City area. NBC News' Sam Brock reports on the schedule changes.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show to start early due to weather

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Some festivalgoers were sheltering under a museum overhang tonight, singing patriotic tunes as rain began falling.

Authorities stopped letting people into the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with more than 1,000 sheltering outside the building and some exposed to the elements.

Some were heard singing, "God Bless America" and other patriotic songs.

People shelter outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture.  Tara Prindiville/NBC News

NBC News' Gary Grumbach reports from the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., where Salute to America 250 attendees have been told to seek shelter due to inclement weather possibly striking the National Mall.

Inside D.C. evacuation areas as guests wait for updates on Salute to America event

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Thousands of attendees have been evacuated from the National Mall due to possible inclement weather as they waited for the "Salute to America 250" event to begin. NBC News' Gabe Gutierrez reports from outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture as it reaches capacity for sheltering guests.

Thousands evacuated from National Mall due to weather

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All attendees — more than ten thousand at this point — are being told to seek shelter in buildings near the National Mall as thunderstorms threaten the Washington, D.C., area. Organizers have delayed the start of the "Salute to America" events.

“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building," Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

Thousands of attendees braved the blistering heat in Washington, D.C. to wait in line for the "Salute to America" festivities that are set to feature an address by Trump and a fireworks show.

Maria Komisky, who traveled from Tennessee to attend, said she came out to hear Trump speak.

“I've never heard a president speak in person, much less a sitting president," she said. "My husband loves fireworks, so he’s pretty excited about that.”

Komisky traveled with her friend, Lori Fisher, who said she expects the festivities to showcase "a lot of patriotism, a lot of fun."

"Feel like this is probably over the top celebration and we wanted to be able to see it, so we wanted to come all the way from Tennessee here," Fisher said.

Valerie Plesch / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Valerie Plesch / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Valerie Plesch / Bloomberg via Getty Images

A naturalization ceremony took place today at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia.

Skylar Baird arrived at the National Mall at 8 a.m. today to beat the heat, she said. Originally from Tennessee, Baird said she's interning in D.C this summer and can't wait for festivities to get underway

"A lot of people have been passing out, so a lot of people are really dedicated to get here," she said of the heat.

When asked how it feels to celebrate America's 250th birthday in the capital, she said: "Amazing, great, super excited and really excited to see what's in store for tonight."

Spectators arrive at the 'Salute to America 250' celebration in D.C.

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Trump will give a "historical speech" tonight to honor the country's semiquincentennial that will be "unlike any other he's given before," a senior White House official said this evening.

‘The President will give a historical speech tonight, looking back on our nation’s history since its founding 250 years ago and utilizing the stories of American heroes to tell it," the official said. "It will be a unique speech unlike any other he’s given before.”

President Trump at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, S.D. on Friday. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Asked whether the speech would be merely historical or veer into current politics, as Trump did by commenting on "communist threats" during his address last night at Mount Rushmore, the official said they couldn't answer definitively because of as 4:30 pm ET, Trump had not yet reviewed tonight's speech.

The gates to the "Salute to America" festivities in Washington, D.C., are open as of 5:22 p.m.

Trump is set to headline the event later this evening as the city continues to endure scorching heat.

Washington’s “Salute to America 250” celebration is expected to draw thousands to the National Mall for an evening of music, military flyovers, President Donald Trump’s address and what organizers say will be the largest single fireworks display ever produced.

The event is also making history for another reason: It is the first Fourth of July celebration in the nation’s capital to be designated a National Special Security Event, a classification typically reserved for presidential inaugurations, Super Bowls, national political conventions and the United Nations General Assembly.

Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty Images

The designation puts the U.S. Secret Service in charge of security and brings together the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, FEMA and dozens of federal, state and local agencies. More than 4,800 National Guard members from 23 states and the District of Columbia are also deployed across Washington.

A festive, carnival-like atmosphere has taken shape at Fort Campbell, where families are arriving for an Independence Day celebration.

Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening. The celebration includes carnival rides, live music, food vendors and a fireworks show honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.

There has been little relief from the afternoon sun ahead of the "Salute to America 250" celebration on the National Mall.

Megan Lebowitz Brand / NBC News

The rows of chairs facing the stage offered virtually no shade, including reserved sections for VIPs and World War II veterans. While umbrellas covered a separate seating areas, the seats closest to the stage remain fully exposed.

Megan Lebowitz Brand / NBC News

Organizers set up a large air-conditioned cooling tent with tables and chairs, along with hydration stations around the National Mall. Pallets of bottled water outside the cooling tent sat baking in the sun.

Military flyovers added to the atmosphere, with the roar of aircraft overhead loud enough to make seats visibly vibrate.

As many good stories do, this one begins in Italy.

In 1889, Constantine Vitale opened a fireworks shop in his small Italian town, turning his fascination with pyrotechnics into a family business.

When he immigrated to the United States in 1920, he brought that expertise with him. After settling in New Castle, Pennsylvania — north of Pittsburgh — he opened up a fireworks business that would eventually become Pyrotecnico.

More than a century later, the company is in its fifth generation, producing fireworks, drone and light shows for everyone from Cardi B to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, as well as communities across the country.

But nothing has compared to this.

“I think if he would see the company today, he would probably be incredibly proud, but probably think we were a little crazy,” Constantine’s great-grandson and current CEO Stephen Vitale told NBC News.

Family-owned Pyrotecnico prepares to set off world's largest fireworks display on July Fourth

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On July Fourth in Washington, D.C., Pyrotecnico plans to launch more than 850,000 fireworks, aiming to shatter a world record previously set by a megachurch in the Philippines a decade ago.

The 40-minute display will launch from eight barges on the Potomac River and two land-based sites — West Potomac Park and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In all, about 58,000 pounds of fireworks were transported from western Pennsylvania to the nation’s capital, where a crew of 75 Pyrotecnico employees will bring the show to life.

To create the display, designer Jason Farrell traveled the world in search of the right fireworks. The finale will feature shells from Spain, Italy and China.

“Each country kind of has their own take on how they create fireworks, so everybody has kind of a specialty of what they do,” Farrell said.

The fireworks will be synchronized to a live soundtrack performed by a military band made up of musicians from several branches of the U.S. armed forces. The setlist spans six decades and includes “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” “Sweet Caroline” and “Party in the U.S.A.”

“There’s something about the feeling and the honor of doing a firework display on the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C.,” Vitale said. “It’s Independence Day at its best.”

At least 19 "suspected heat-related deaths" have been reported in New Jersey since July 2, New Jersey's health commissioner said this afternoon.

The commissioner, Dr. Raynard Washington, said the deaths affected people in different conditions and age ranges and urged all New Jersey residents to stay safe as the heat wave continues.

Michael Nagle / Bloomberg via Getty Images

"Unfortunately, many of these individuals were found in homes without air conditioning; few were outside of their residence, some on the street, and some even in parked cars," Washington said at a press conference today. "It's important to note that the age ranges for these individuals were not just the elderly; they were folks who were younger adults."

With the gates set to open in 45 minutes, dangerous heat is bearing down on the National Mall as thousands prepare to attend the "Salute to America 250" celebration.

A temperature reading taken from the thousands of chairs arranged for the attendees registered about 160 degrees, showing just how hot surfaces have become under the afternoon sun.

Cooling stations, water distribution points and misting tents have been set up around Washington Monument grounds, which are scheduled to open to the public at 5 p.m. ET.

The conditions are a stark contrast to the nation's bicentennial celebration in Washington in 1976, when the high temperature reached 84 degrees and the low dipped to 65 degrees, according to Department of Commerce data.

Organizers make final preparations for July Fourth celebrations on National Mall

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Organizers of the Freedom 250 celebration on the National Mall said they are closely monitoring weather conditions as severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the Washington area head of this evening's festivities.

Members of the National Guard at the Great American State Fair on Saturday. Finn Gomez / Getty Images

"The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority," Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement. She added that Freedom 250, the U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, U.S. Secret Service, FEMA and other public safety partners are actively monitoring conditions.

Despite triple-digit heat indexes, visitors from across the country gathered in Philadelphia today to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday at the birthplace of American independence.

Jeff Wilkins, a historical re-enactor from Knoxville, Tennessee, dressed as a colonial militiaman, said attending the celebration was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"We're really here just celebrating a great day in our history," a visibly emotional Wilkins said. "to be part of the, you know, the nation’s birthday today. I’m humbled."

Jeff Wilkins, a historical re-enactor from Knoxville, Tennessee.  NBC News

Others traveled hundreds of miles specifically to mark the anniversary where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Max and Theresa Stewart of Arlington, Texas, planned their trip around the milestone and said it was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made to establish the country.

"It just needs to be observed and appreciated," Theresa Stewart said, noting her father served in the Korean War and her son served in the National Guard.

For Sharad and Seema Goyal, who drove from Washington, D.C., the day was also about sharing history with the next generation. They brought their children to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell before attending a World Cup match later in the day.

"I’d like to share with them a little bit about our history," Sharad Goyal said.

Visitors said they were taking precautions against the heat by carrying water, portable fans and sunscreen, while limiting their time outdoors between events.

Despite triple-digit temperatures, attendees began lining up hours before the gates were set to open at 5 p.m. ET for the "Salute to America 250" celebration on the National Mall.

People wait in line to enter the National Mall today. Finn Gomez / Getty Images

The event, one of the marquee celebrations marking the nation's 250th anniversary, is expected to draw large crowds for Trump's evening address, followed by a fireworks display.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Washington area, which could complicate plans for fireworks displays, including the show the president will attend in Washington.

So far, there have been no announcements affecting the timing of the Washington show.

Masked men, some carrying Confederate flags, marched through Washington, D.C., today in scenes captured on social media videos.“Reclaim America, reclaim America,” the crowd was heard chanting in a video captured near Union Station by local reporter Mitchell Miller, who said the group called for getting rid of immigrants.

Masked group of men seen marching and chanting outside D.C.’s Union Station

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In Miller’s video, some members of the group can be seen carrying flags that appear to depict the Patriot Front logo. The Anti-Defamation League describes Patriot Front as a white supremacist group.

Other videos on social media appear to show the group marching near the Eastern Market Metro station.

Finn Gomez, a Getty Images photographer, shared an image of people in face masks and apparent Patriot Front gear riding the Metro.

Members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front ride the Washington Metro on Saturday in Washington, D.C.  Finn Gomez / Getty Images

Crowds gathered in the sweltering heat Saturday to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday by watching famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut defend his world hot dog eating championship in Coney Island, where he downed 66 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division.

Saturday marked the 18th time Chestnut, 42, won the so-called Mustard Belt in just 21 appearances at the internationally televised Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. He beat out 13 competitors who came from around the country and world, trekking from the Czech Republic, Australia and South Korea.

“It’s a dream, it’s electric, there’s no place better on Earth,” Chestnut said breathlessly in an interview immediately after the showdown, donning a bulky, bejeweled necklace bearing the name of the sports betting company Polymarket around his neck. In a video posted on Instagram before the competition, Chestnut called competitive hot dog eating “the most patriotic sport we’ve got.”

Joey Chestnut raises his fist after winning the 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in New York City today.  Anna Connors / AP

Chestnut handily defeated the second-place winner, Patrick Bertoletti, 41, who ate 50 hot dogs, but fell short of his own 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns — or approximately 7.6 hot dogs per minute.

Defending champion in the women’s division, the 40-year-old Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won the bright pink Mustard Belt for the 12th time, downing 38.75 dogs. In 2024, she ate a record 51 links.

Dangerous heat is forcing organizers across the eastern U.S. to cancel or alter Independence Day celebrations, with dozens of parades, festivals and fireworks affected as the nation marks its 250th birthday. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey alone, nearly a dozen July Fourth events have been called off or postponed because of the weather.

Read full story here.

In a social media post, former President Joe Biden honored America's 250th anniversary, writing, "Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of Americans signed their names to a piece of parchment and made a promise no nation had ever made before: that we’re all created equal, endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

He added: "We chose that path 250 years ago but that’s where the work began, not where it ended. Every generation has had to choose it again. At Valley Forge, at Gettysburg, on the beaches of Normandy, in the streets of Selma."

"Now it’s our turn," he wrote, adding: "250 years in, we still haven’t fully lived up to those words in the Declaration. But we’ve never walked away from them."

"Our story isn’t finished. Let’s keep writing it together," he wrote at the end.

NBC News’ Dylan Dreyer gives an inside look at Sail4th 250 from a boat in New York Harbor as the country celebrates America’s 250th birthday.

What it feels like to be in New York Harbor during the Sail4th 250

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In his Annapolis speech, the Maryland governor said, "Too many watch as military conflict starts to feel like a conquest, where those who wear the uniform are asked to do the impossible, and those back home are asked to pay for the unnecessary."

The governor did not mention the Iran war by name but said: "Starting war without a purpose is not patriotic. Ending a war without achievement is not victory. And telling soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines otherwise is not leadership."

Moore added that starting wars like this is what can "make people increasingly skeptical, and that skepticism is not unfounded. That skepticism is not unpatriotic."

In his Independence Day speech, Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., acknowledged the need to celebrate, but also called for a "day of reflection" and spoke about his grandfather fleeing South Carolina as a boy due to the violence of the Ku Klux Klan.

"What does the work of patriotism require of us, this is a day of reverence, but it also must be a day of reflection, because the Founding Fathers knew this country was unfinished," Moore said.

He added later: "I want to be clear, America would be incomplete without all of us. That is the patriotism that my grandfather instilled in me. Yet today, the very premise of patriotism is under attack. Its meaning is being narrowed, its purpose is being distorted, and we cannot let that happen."

The Maryland governor added that it's important to mark this movement today.

"It matters because America's strength has never come from what we claim for ourselves. It has always come from what we give to one another. We are a nation of strength because we are a nation of sacrifice and a nation of service," he said.

Record-breaking temperatures could put a damper on Independence Day and America's 250th-anniversary celebrations, with forecasters warning that cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Charlotte, Raleigh and Richmond could tie or break daily heat records.

Members of the military drink water to stay cool in New York City today. Vincent Alban / Getty Images

Roughly 150 million people are under heat alerts today, with heat index values expected to reach 105 to 111 degrees across parts of the mid-Atlantic. Severe thunderstorms are also forecast to develop later in the day, threatening fireworks displays and other outdoor events from the Plains to the Northeast with damaging winds, lightning and heavy downpours.

Officials are urging anyone attending parades, concerts and fireworks shows to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade and monitor local weather conditions.

During his speech, Vance said that some Americans today would "speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our imperfections," and called on his audience to reject that kind of thinking.

He added that detractors today will "speak of the powerless and the dispossessed. They will tell you that America is just another country where the weak struggle against the strong."

JD Vance delivers remarks in New York City today. Vincent Alban / Getty Images

The vice president then said, "They're wrong," adding: "They misunderstand that we all have moments of great power, despite those very real imperfections, that there are victims and heroes who live inside of each of us."

He called on Americans to "reject the two-dimensional view of your fellow citizens and reject the two-dimensional view of your country. Reject that America is a place for zero-sum thinking, because it is not. Our history is one of people carving a great civilization out of the wilderness."

"Reject the view of your nation that sees only its sins, but not its grace and its greatness," he added.

Extreme heat has forced several communities in the Washington area to cancel or scale back their Independence Day celebrations.

Organizers called off America’s Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., which had been scheduled to step off at 10:30 a.m., citing safety concerns for participants, spectators and staff, according to the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

Fairfax, Leesburg, Takoma Park and Laurel also canceled their July Fourth parades because of the heat. In Leesburg, officials said the evening concert and fireworks show will still go on.

Montgomery Village is proceeding with its 10 a.m. parade but has canceled post-parade festivities.

Vance is reflecting on the nation's 250th anniversary with a speech from the USS Kearsarge, which is part of the Sail4th 250 tall ship flotilla sailing through New York City today.

Vance opened his speech by thanking the nations that sent ships to the U.S. to be part of today's sailing event.

"We say from the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful for our friends, grateful for our allies on this special anniversary," the vice president said.

Vance celebrates George Washington at Sail4th 250 in New York Harbor

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Yesterday, Mamdani used a speech commemorating America's semiquincentennial to denounce President Donald Trump’s view of the nation, and especially of its immigrants, without naming him directly.

Mamdani criticized Trump’s immigration policies from City Hall while sitting behind a desk that once belonged to George Washington and flanked by recently naturalized U.S. citizens, rebuking the view held by “the powerful” that America “becomes less the more people it welcomes.”

“America, they will tell you, belongs only to those with the right accent or the right shade of skin. The rest of us, they insist, should be grateful for merely being allowed to visit. How small they are. How weak, how unoriginal,” the mayor said.

“The irony” of American exceptionalism, he said, was that the country’s history was often written “by those who were told by others with power and influence and wealth that they were anything but exceptional.”

Mamdani’s office told NBC News this week that the mayor would deliver a “major address” marking the country’s semiquincentennial, another major step onto the national political stage after three of his endorsed House candidates defeated incumbents and incumbent-endorsed candidates in Democratic primaries last month.

Read the full story here.

Ahead of the Sail4th 250 Parade of Sail, featuring 48 tall ships from 20 nations traveling up the Hudson River, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill reflected on the nation's 250th anniversary and the enduring symbol of the New York Harbor.

"Today marks 250 years of our nation and 250 years of millions of people across the world looking upon the greatness that is America," Mamdani said. "That legacy is one that reminds us that the promise of these shores still holds, a promise of opportunity, a promise of freedom, and a promise of self-determination."

Sherrill echoed that message, telling the crowd: "This is America at its best. This is who we are as a people. This is what we can deliver when we fight alongside friends and allies for those things we believe in, and so here's hoping that as we move forward over the next 250 years that we can continue our fight for freedom, for liberty and prosperity."

The parade is one of the marquee events of the nation's celebration of America at 250.

Across the country, Americans are marking Independence Day with celebrations that double as the kickoff to the nation’s yearlong 250th anniversary commemoration.

In Philadelphia, organizers will bury a time capsule to remain sealed until 2276. New York Harbor will host an international Parade of Sail featuring dozens of tall ships and more than 100 military aircraft in an aerial review. Boston will hold its annual parade and the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, while St. Louis welcomes Miranda Lambert for a concert beneath the Gateway Arch and Los Angeles hosts an America 250 concert led by Queen Latifah and Chaka Khan. Chicago’s Navy Pier is capping off the day with its largest and longest Independence Day fireworks display ever.

In Washington, President Donald Trump is set to headline the “Salute to America 250” celebration on the National Mall, followed by a fireworks display and a projection show illuminating the Washington Monument. Meanwhile, in nearby Annapolis, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is delivering an Independence Day address offering a Democratic counterpoint to Trump's celebration.

President Donald Trump kicked off the nation’s Independence Day weekend yesterday with a speech at Mount Rushmore that blended patriotic celebration with sharp political messaging ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

Trump Speaks at Mt. Rushmore Ahead of July 4 Celebrations

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Speaking beneath the monument’s four presidential faces, Trump praised the country’s history while warning that a “communist menace” threatens American values, casting communism as a fundamental enemy of the Constitution and the nation’s founding ideals. The address concluded with a fireworks display over the memorial after storms earlier in the evening cleared.

The event also revived discussion about Trump’s place in history, including past efforts by supporters to add his likeness to Mount Rushmore — an idea that geologists and park officials have long said isn’t feasible because the mountain lacks suitable rock for another sculpture.

Read the full story here.