Severe thunderstorm forces evacuation of Trump's July 4 event on National Mall

Evacuation order

The "Salute to America" event on the National Mall, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, began around 5pm local time. Just under three hours later, officials ordered an immediate evacuation as a severe thunderstorm approached, with lightning detected within 5 kilometres. The Secret Service suspended security screening and directed attendees to seek shelter in nearby museums and government buildings. "A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall. Seek shelter immediately. Do not wait," the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency posted on X.

Chaos and defiance

The evacuation order triggered confusion. Some attendees initially thought the site had reopened, while others refused to leave. A group of more than 100 people near the stage chanted "USA, USA, USA" as a pair of B2 bombers from the military flyover show passed overhead. Police blowing whistles descended on the holdouts and forced them out of the area.

When you have lightning less than 5km away that's a mandatory evacuation.

1. Jul 3, 2026Trump visits Mount Rushmore, warns of 'communist menace'
2. Jul 4, 2026Extreme heat forces cancellation of parades and closure of state fair
3. Jul 4, 05:00 PM'Salute to America' event begins on National Mall
4. Jul 4, 08:00 PMEvacuation ordered due to severe thunderstorm; chaos ensues
5. Later eveningTrump scheduled to deliver speech at Lincoln Memorial, followed by fireworks

Trump's July 4 agenda

President Trump was scheduled to deliver a speech at the Lincoln Memorial later in the evening, followed by a fireworks display. The event capped days of festivities orchestrated by the White House. Earlier on Saturday, extreme heat had already forced the cancellation of local parades and the temporary closure of the "Great American State Fair" on the other end of the Mall. Trump proceeded with hours of military flyovers over the capital.

Political messaging

On Friday, Trump visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, where he warned of a "communist menace" facing the country, previewing a campaign argument ahead of the midterm elections. On Saturday afternoon, he posted on Truth Social criticising European allies over immigration, writing:

Europe is learning that when you take in Third World criminals, you become a Third World Country. It happens quickly, in just a blink of the eye. I was elected just in time!!!

Vice President JD Vance, speaking from a US Navy ship in New York harbour, blasted critics who focus on "national imperfections" rather than greatness.