Trump's Independence Day Event Delayed Due to Heat Advisory

The Freedom 250 task force announced that the July 4 "Salute to America" celebration in Washington, D.C., will now begin at 5 p.m. instead of the originally planned 1 p.m. after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning with forecast highs near 102 degrees. > "Due to the active heat advisory, adjustments have been made to the Salute to America celebration to prioritize the safety and comfort of attendees, volunteers, performers, and staff," the task force said. The statement added that the safety and well-being of every guest remain the top priority. Coordinating agencies, including the United States Park Police, National Park Service, Secret Service and FEMA, said they have expanded cooling resources, water stations and medical support across the event grounds. The program, which includes military flyovers, live music, a presidential address and a large fireworks display, is intended to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. Organizers have expressed concern about potential low attendance, noting that earlier events such as the Great American State Fair have attracted fewer visitors than expected.