Extreme heat cancels July 4 parades as Trump warns of 'communist threat' at Mount Rushmore
Parades in Washington and Philadelphia were scrapped as temperatures soared to 42°C, while President Trump used the 250th anniversary to attack 'communist' Democrats and immigrants.
Heat wave disrupts celebrations
Temperatures in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey could reach 42°C, prompting officials to cancel Independence Day parades in Washington and Philadelphia. At the National Mall, organizers delayed gate openings to shorten the time crowds spend in the heat before evening events. Volunteers distributed water bottles from ice buckets, and attendees used cowboy hats and umbrellas for shade.
Trump's Mount Rushmore address
On July 3, President Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore, calling communism a "deadly threat to American freedom" and linking it to immigration. He said "newcomers" to the country embrace ideas contrary to the American way of life and vowed to "send the communists into exile." He also posted an image on Truth Social depicting himself carved into the monument in gold.
There is a revival of the communist threat on our soil, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas completely contrary to our way of life and our great success.
Political reactions
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, without naming Trump, said the nation's ideals are strong enough to withstand any authoritarian regime if defended. Former President Bill Clinton noted the anniversary finds the US facing "renewed questions about America's future and its role in the world, as well as serious threats to our institutions and democracy."
The ideals upon which our nation was built are strong enough to withstand any authoritarian regime, but only if we continue to defend them.
Power outages and fire risks
About 750,000 people lost power across the eastern US after storms with winds exceeding 97 km/h. More than 350,000 households were affected in Michigan and 150,000 in New Jersey, according to the Power Outage tracker. In Colorado, several cities including Colorado Springs and Vail cancelled fireworks displays due to dry conditions and high wildfire risk.
- Michigan
- 350000 households
- New Jersey
- 150000 households
A polarized anniversary
The celebrations unfold ahead of November's midterm elections, with Republicans concerned that Trump's low approval ratings could cost them control of Congress. Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore and his planned address at the National Mall are seen by critics as politicizing the holiday.
- Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore, warns of communist threat and criticizes immigrants.
- Parades cancelled in Washington and Philadelphia due to extreme heat.
- National Mall gates delayed to reduce crowd waiting time in heat.
- Trump to deliver speech at National Mall.
- Fireworks displays cancelled in several Colorado cities over wildfire risk.
- Power outages affect 750,000 in eastern US after storms.
