President Donald Trump vowed Saturday to deliver what the White House is calling a historic speech celebrating America's 250th anniversary, even as severe thunderstorms swept through Washington, D.C., threatening to disrupt the evening's events. The president, speaking by phone with Fox News' Bret Baier, made clear his determination to proceed with the address despite the adverse weather conditions that prompted emergency officials to urge people on the National Mall to seek shelter.
Trump was originally expected to take the stage at 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall, but timing of events may fluctuate due to the weather, according to a senior White House official. Following the delay, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, the event organizer, said Trump was expected to take the stage around 11 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. The president's remarks come one day after he delivered a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore, where he called the United States the most exceptional nation ever to exist and warned that communism posed the nation's greatest threat.
During his phone call with Baier, Trump drew a parallel between the challenging weather and the sacrifices of American soldiers. It's America 250. If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech and we can keep this program going, Trump told Baier. The president's comments came after Baier interviewed World War II veterans who had taken shelter after the event was temporarily postponed because of the severe weather. Trump added in a post on Truth Social, It's Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight.
The president's address is expected to look back on America's history since its founding 250 years ago, a senior White House official told Fox News. Trump will deliver a unique speech featuring the stories of American heroes. It will be a unique speech unlike any other he's given before, the official added. Earlier Saturday, Trump celebrated what he described as a stronger than ever America in a Truth Social post, praising the incredible crowds gathered in Washington despite the heat and storms. The president also highlighted the air shows over the nation's capital, saying the pilots and aircraft were at a level never seen before.
Trump also addressed recent vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, calling those responsible Vandal Thugs and promising the pool would be drained and repaired after the holiday weekend. The president's remarks at Mount Rushmore on Friday included a strong condemnation of communism, which he described as the exact opposite of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Communism is the exact opposite of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Trump said. It is death, tyranny and the pursuit of evil.
The severe thunderstorm that swept through Washington on Saturday evening prompted emergency officials to urge people on the National Mall to seek shelter. Freedom 250 said it would provide updates on the evening's schedule as weather conditions developed. Despite the weather, Trump remained resolute, telling Baier, I'm going through bad weather. No matter what happens, I am delivering this speech. The event is part of a broader celebration of America's 250th anniversary, which has included various patriotic activities and events across the country.
The president's determination to deliver the speech despite the weather reflects the significance of the occasion, which marks a quarter-millennium since the nation's founding. The address is expected to highlight American heroes and the country's historical journey, with Trump aiming to strike a unifying and patriotic tone. The White House has framed the speech as a historic moment, emphasizing the president's commitment to honoring the nation's heritage and the sacrifices of those who have served.