As triple-digit temperatures derail Fourth of July celebrations around Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump said extreme weather that sent at least several visitors to medical care “isn’t as bad as predicted.”
Forecasters, including the National Weather Service, have warned for days that record-breaking, dangerously hot and humid conditions were likely for the D.C. area as the president hyped White House-backed Freedom 250 events, including a late-night speech to cap off Saturday’s celebrations.
A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for much of Maryland and Virginia, including the D.C. area, until roughly 10 p.m. ET.
“Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday afternoon.
The president said he will deliver Independence Day remarks at 10 p.m. from the Lincoln Memorial, though an initial schedule indicated he was speaking at 9:45 p.m. The delay could potentially further push back D.C. fireworks, a 40-minute display that organizers suggested might not begin until 11 p.m.
“The Reflecting Pool looks great, despite all it went through with the Vandal Thugs,” said Trump, referencing his baseless allegations that vandals poisoned the water and ripped up recently applied liner.
“Will quickly drain and fix the damage done right after this big weekend. Happy Independence Day. Our Country is Stronger than EVER!!!” he wrote.
High temperatures forced Freedom 250 organizers to temporarily shut down the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Friday afternoon, marking yet another blow to the president’s chaotic preparations for the nation’s anniversary celebrations.
The closure also followed a series of mishaps surrounding the administration’s plans for Fourth of July celebrations, from the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turning green from algae to the sparse crowds, collapsing stages and oozing infrastructure at the state fair-inspired event.
Washington’s annual Independence Day parade was canceled due to “extreme heat” in the nation’s capital, organizers announced Friday night. The event was scheduled for Saturday morning.
“This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators, and staff as the top priority,” according to a statement from organizers.
An annual Fourth of July parade and the U.S. Naval Academy’s Electric Brigade Concert were also canceled in nearby Annapolis, Maryland, due to a severe thunderstorm watch. Annapolis fireworks are still scheduled for 9:15 p.m, but they may be delayed, according to the city.
Freedom 250 also delayed the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Saturday morning. The fair re-opened at noon instead of 10 a.m.
More than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects are expected to launch from the National Mall, including the Reflecting Pool, according to Freedom 250. The show begins after Trump’s speech, though D.C. officials said the late-night adjustments could mean fireworks don’t start until 11 p.m. or later.
Trump has called the event a “TRUMP RALLY.”
“To conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY, right here in our Nation’s Capital. Do not miss it,” Trump wrote June 15.
Freedom 250’s schedule was adjusted Friday night ahead of another day of sweltering conditions.
“The safety and well-being of every guest remains our top priority as we celebrate this historic 250th Independence Day,” according to a joint statement from Freedom 250, U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, Secret Service and FEMA.
“In light of current heat conditions,” the groups and agencies have “coordinated closely to adjust event timing and expand cooling resources, water stations, and medical support across the grounds. We are proud to welcome the public to a safe, well-prepared, and truly memorable celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” they said.
