President Donald Trump vowed Saturday to deliver what the White House is calling a "historic" speech celebrating America's 250th anniversary despite severe thunderstorms sweeping through Washington.
Trump was originally expected to take the stage at 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall, though timing of events may fluctuate due to adverse weather, per a senior White House official.
Following the delay, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, the event organizer, said Trump was expected to take the stage around 11 p.m., followed by a fireworks display.
"I'm going through bad weather. No matter what happens, I am delivering this speech," Trump said during a phone call with Fox News' Bret Baier.
Trump's comments came after Baier interviewed World War II veterans who had taken shelter after the event was temporarily postponed because of severe weather.
President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026, in Keystone, South Dakota. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
"It's America 250. If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech and we can keep this program going," Trump told Baier.
Trump added in a post on Truth Social, "It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight."
The president's address is expected to look back on America's history since its founding 250 years ago, a senior White House official told Fox News.
"It will be a unique speech unlike any other he’s given before," the official added.
Earlier Saturday, Trump celebrated what he described as a "stronger than ever" America in a Truth Social post, praising the "incredible" crowds gathered in Washington despite the heat and storms.
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