Lightning was seen and strong winds swept across the area on the evening of America's 250th birthday. This meant that tens of thousands of people who had gathered there, hours before Trump was expected to speak, were immediately urged to seek shelter.
"Storms bring luck no matter what the event. They also make events a little more exciting! We'll wait it out," Trump previously wrote on Truth Social, adding that he would be there "no matter what" and that he "won't let a little rain" get in the way of the celebration.
Unusually short speech
The evacuation order was heard over loudspeakers in the open park. While some people headed for the exits, others appeared to remain standing when the order was heard, with some shouting “Trump! Trump!”
Storms also forced a fireworks show in New York to be postponed, and in Philadelphia evacuations were required at a concert, as well as at a celebration on the Charles River in Boston.
After several hours of delay, the president was able to begin his speech. It lasted 45 minutes - which is short for Donald Trump.
The speech consisted of the president's many praises for the United States as a country, while also criticizing domestic opponents he labeled as "communists."
Heat warnings issued
The event was part of a series of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Americans in the eastern part of the country braved an extreme heat wave to celebrate. Temperatures soared to 103.1 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) in the capital, Washington, D.C. - a record high for the Fourth of July - with severe weather warnings issued for 160 million Americans.
