Trump delivers July 4 speech on the National Mall for U.S. 250th anniversary

President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States with a speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Saturday after a weather delay. The address mixed patriotic references with political messaging. Trump praised American achievements and the U.S. system of government, while also renewing calls for stricter voting rules, including limits on mail ballots and proof of citizenship for voter registration. The event was affected by severe weather and extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 103 degrees Fahrenheit and thunderstorms briefly forcing spectators to evacuate. Organizers also faced scrutiny over the politically charged tone of the celebration, which included conservative groups and defense contractors as part of the broader Freedom 250 program.