President Trump delivers America 250 speech amid weather delays, makes disputed historical remarks
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President Donald Trump gave a lengthy Independence Day address despite thunderstorms that forced the evacuation of the National Mall, and his remarks on the nation's founding, the Civil War and World War II were noted for factual inaccuracies.
President Donald Trump delivered a speech on July 4 to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary, proceeding despite thunderstorms that cancelled the Independence Day parade and prompted the evacuation of the National Mall. Trump said on his social-media platform that he would wait until 2 a.m. to speak, describing the storm as a sign of good luck.
During the address, Trump asserted that the Declaration of Independence states "we are all made in the image of one almighty god," a claim that does not appear in the document, which instead references "all men are created equal" and rights endowed by a Creator. He also described the Civil War as "a very big, big deal at the time" and referenced the D-Day landings, praising veterans as "the greatest generation."
Fact-checkers noted that the president’s historical references were inaccurate, and observers highlighted the contrast between the planned celebrations on the National Mall and the weather-related disruptions.
"I don’t care. It’s America 250. If they can storm the beaches of D-Day on D-Day, I can deliver a speech and keep this program going," Trump said during the event.
The speech was part of a broader set of festivities that included a planned state fair, military fly-overs and a fireworks display, though many elements were altered or postponed because of the inclement weather.