US President Donald Trump on Saturday marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a speech at the National Mall, combining patriotic appeals with partisan messaging after severe storms briefly disrupted celebrations and forced an evacuation of the venue.He said, “American people must never forget that we are historic and heroic people with a heroic spirit and a heroic purpose on this beautiful earth of ours.”In his speech, Trump described the anniversary as “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time” and paid tribute to US veterans, including World War II servicemen and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat during the Vietnam War.“We will always be on top,” Trump said. “We will never let our country fall. We will always be the best.”“”For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all of the nations of the world… with God’s help, we can always be this or even better… Here on our National Mall, we’re celebrating Freedom’s triumph over tyranny, liberty’s conquest over oppression, and the enduring victory of the America spirit from July 4, 1776 to July 4, 2026… Tonight, our country is stronger, freer, richer, safer and prouder than ever before,” he added.Referring to America’s Founding Fathers, Trump said, “In Philadelphia, our Founding Fathers summoned the courage of giants and the wisdom of centuries to boldly proclaim these timeless truths. They declared that ‘all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ In signing their names to the roster of freedom, those 56 Patriots put everything at risk, stepped onto the stage of destiny, and seized a victory for the ages.“He added, “We are made in the courage, fire, flesh, and blood of the best and the bravest people this world has ever produced. Tonight, we pledge allegiance to the flag they gave us — and we say, ‘God bless the immortal patriots of 1776, and LONG LIVE THE CAUSE OF INDEPENDENCE!'”The president also ventured into partisan territory, promoting the SAVE America Act, reiterating his support for the Second Amendment and renewing his criticism of communism, themes that have increasingly featured in his political messaging ahead of the November midterm elections.Despite the extreme weather, thousands gathered at the National Mall to mark the historic occasion.“So, it’s always been important to be here. I think it’s good for everybody to represent, everybody to be out here and to be able to get the story as my friend said. It’s always good to pass on that kind of thing and the kind of brotherhood that we have here as Americans. I think it’s a very important factor that we should always spread and try and show other people what we’re about. But yeah I mean we were out here in the 100-degree heat earlier. We were sweating a lot, but we made it happen and we came back for the fireworks,” one attendee told ANI.The address, originally scheduled for earlier in the evening, was delayed by about two hours after dangerous weather prompted authorities to clear the National Mall and suspend security screening. Event organisers later reopened the gates, allowing revellers to return for the celebrations and fireworks.Before arriving at the venue, Trump signalled his determination to go ahead with the event despite the weather. “I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th,” he wrote on Truth Social. Later, as he reached the National Mall, he posted: “I’M HERE!!! DJT”.John Herman, a resident of Leesburg, Virginia, also expressed pride in attending the celebrations.“Well, 250 years of great power, kind people, wonderful country. Just love it. I’m a patriot, I enjoy, I’m so thankful to be here. I think every American should get on their knees and thank God that they were born here or came here and can be here,” he said.Across the US, Americans celebrated the nation’s 250th Independence Day with parades, concerts, fireworks and patriotic events. However, severe storms and record-breaking heat disrupted festivities in several cities, forcing organisers to delay, modify or cancel some celebrations.