President Donald Trump is set to deliver a major address Saturday night at the National Mall’s “Salute to America” celebration — marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The speech comes at 9:45 p.m. ET, followed by a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.
Trump teased the remarks would be long despite heat warnings that postponed earlier festivities. The National Mall saw temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit earlier in the day, forcing organizers to push back programming.
“Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE! The love of our Country has never been stronger! The Air Shows are at a level never seen before – What great pilots, what great equipment!!!”
Trump posted the message on Truth Social, adding he’d be “speaking at around 10:00 P.M. at The Lincoln Memorial.”
The afternoon featured military flyovers and demonstrations from NASA, the Coast Guard, Army Golden Knights, Navy Blue Angels and Leap Frogs, Air Force Thunderbirds, the Marine Corps, and Air Force One.
Guests from across the country packed the National Mall and Washington Monument grounds to watch what Freedom 250 organizers called “a breathtaking display of patriotism.”
The event schedule includes a performance from the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and multiple speakers. Opening programming began at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the official Salute to America program starting at 7:00 p.m.
Though the Great American State Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. on other days, Saturday’s celebration continues until midnight.
Trump praised the newly-renovated Reflecting Pool in his post, noting his administration spent weeks fixing it.
The pool “looks great, despite all it went through with the Vandal Thugs,” Trump wrote. He promised to “quickly drain and fix the damage done right after this big weekend.”
“Happy Independence Day. Our Country is Stronger than EVER!!!”
Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE! The love of our Country has never been stronger! The Air Shows are at a level never seen before – What great pilots, what great equipment!!! See you all later! Speaking at around 10:00 P.M. at… pic.twitter.com/a0pGU4KRb7
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 4, 2026
Freedom 250, the event organizer, invited those unable to attend in person to watch live from home.
CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY WITH US 🇺🇸🎉🦅https://t.co/ali1XLh2qG
— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 4, 2026
The celebration marks the culmination of a day-long Fourth of July fair featuring live performances and demonstrations along the National Mall.
