One of the most anticipated parts of the America 250 celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, the Freedom 250 Salute to America, has been the headlining speech on Saturday, July 4, by President Trump.
Earlier on Saturday, the president shared on his Truth Social account that despite the hot and muggy weather conditions throughout Independence Day weekend, the crowd still showed up.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 4, 2026
Agriculture (USDA) Sec. Brooke Rollins had a backup plan to help shelter some of the people attending the event - and they did something that made her practically burst with patriotism and love for her fellow Americans, she said on X:
Unfortunately, the weather may have disrupted parts of the @Freedom250 celebration, but we were grateful to open the beautiful @USDA building to provide shelter. And then this happened… these incredible patriots spontaneously broke into the National Anthem.🇺🇸
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) July 5, 2026
I love my country. pic.twitter.com/ELljfmif9S
Then just minutes ago, Trump made an update, after there were reports on a potential delay or cancelation of his speech at the Lincoln Memorial. He said in a new Truth post it was not a problem, and projected optimism.
The president sounded undeterred in any way:(paragraph breaks added)
Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting! 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. Looks like it is going to pass, they always do.
I will be there no matter what, but the “what” usually turns out to be a good thing. 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??? Remember two weeks ago when the big UFC Event was at 100% chance of heavy rain, all week long, and just minutes before the card started. Well, there wasn’t a single drop, and the fights turned out to be among the greatest in history, an event for the ages.
Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th. I’m leaving the White House soon. God Bless America!
Read More: The White House UFC Event Was Loud, Patriotic, and Everything the Left Despises
Sure enough, Freedom 250 just announced on X that the gates will reopen shortly, with the event resuming - including the president's speech and the fireworks show scheduled to follow it:
America, it's time to celebrate!
— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 5, 2026
At President Donald J. Trump's direction, gates to the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 PM. The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11:00 PM, and the fireworks spectacular will follow.
Rain or… pic.twitter.com/UCbBgZFzaI
America, it's time to celebrate!
At President Donald J. Trump's direction, gates to the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 PM. The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11:00 PM, and the fireworks spectacular will follow.
Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation's historic 250th birthday.
For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination. A little rain will never diminish our pride, our patriotism, or our celebration of the greatest nation in the history of the world.
God bless America!
Updated [9:57 PM Eastern]: The USSS (United States Secret Service) added this update, reminding visitors who were evacuated due to the bad weather that they will need to be screened again when re-entering the event site:
The Secret Service screening area will reopen shortly. Everyone who evacuated the site will go through screening again. The Secret Service is working to make screening as smooth as possible. Our bag restriction and prohibited items list remains the same. For programming… https://t.co/8N1CU1jYvb
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 5, 2026
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