President Donald Trump spoke at the July Fourth celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking America's 250th anniversary, hours after severe storms forced the evacuation of the National Mall on Saturday evening.

The event, known as the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks," was temporarily paused due to approaching severe weather, with attendees ordered to seek shelter in nearby museums and government buildings. The National Park Service assisted by distributing free water during the Independence Day events.

Trump took the stage shortly after 11:15 p.m., following a delay of several hours. He had earlier vowed to wait as long as necessary to deliver his speech, stating on social media, "We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning, or in one hour from now."

During his campaign-style speech on the National Mall, Trump honored veterans, including World War II veterans and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in Vietnam. The ceremony featured flags symbolizing significant moments in American history, such as the flag draped over Abraham Lincoln's casket and the one flown on the Wright Brothers' plane.

The Trump administration's Freedom 250 group organized a "Great American State Fair" on much of the 2.4-km National Mall, featuring attractions like a Ferris wheel alongside displays by conservative groups and defense contractors. Glen Solander, a 60-year-old software engineer visiting from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, remarked, "It's just part of the deal I signed up for," while waiting at a security checkpoint.

Washington, D.C., experienced a preliminary high temperature of 102 degrees on Saturday, making it the hottest July Fourth on record for the city, according to ABC News meteorologists.

Sources