WASHINGTON (7News) — Fireworks lit up the sky over the National Mall just before midnight Saturday, capping a delayed America 250 celebration following severe weather earlier in the evening.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the National Mall around 11:15 p.m., after storms forced temporary evacuations and delays. Federal and local officials had earlier urged attendees to seek shelter in nearby buildings and museums due to a severe thunderstorm.
President Donald Trump speaks during Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington. (7News)
RELATED | Hundreds treated, 15 arrests reported during DC’s July 4 festivities
“Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion,” Trump wrote on Truth Social ahead of the event. “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.”
Despite uncertainty over whether the event would continue, the celebration resumed later in the evening.
The president’s speech, which wrapped up just before midnight, led into the grand finale — the fireworks show over the National Mall.
WATCH THE FIREWORKS SHOW BELOW:
Salute to America fireworks show in D.C. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington. (7News)
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
President Trump called it the “best fireworks show, EVER!” in a post on Truth Social.