Trump's Spectacular US 250th Show Overshadowed by Heatwave and Political Row
US President Donald Trump is set to head to Washington DC's National Mall on Saturday for a celebration marking America's 250th anniversary. The event, organized by a White House-backed public-private partnership, includes flyovers by hundreds of aircraft and a fireworks display that organizers hope will be the largest ever.
The celebration takes place as a heatwave grips large parts of the eastern and central US, with temperatures reaching approximately 38°C (100°F). The intense heat has already forced the cancellation of several planned events, including the National Park Service's Independence Day Parade on Friday. Other cancellations have been reported in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and as far west as Colorado. Organizers have expressed concern that the heat and a later-than-anticipated start time may reduce crowd sizes.
Military flyovers over Washington DC will occur every hour between 13:15 local time (17:15 GMT) and sunset. Trump's new Air Force One is scheduled to participate in one of the formations.
The event, formally known as the Salute to America 250 Celebrations & Fireworks, is due to begin at 19:00 local time, with Trump expected to speak at approximately 21:45. He has promised to deliver a 'really long speech' despite the heat, stating it is to 'show that I can do anything'.
On Friday, Trump used a speech at the Mount Rushmore national monument in South Dakota to claim that American identity is under threat from domestic 'radicals' and 'extremists'. He warned of a resurgence of what he called 'the communist menace' and spoke about 'newcomers' who embrace ideas opposed to the American way of life. These remarks appear to align with a political strategy ahead of the November mid-term elections, where Republicans are seeking to brand Democrats as communists.
Some music acts withdrew from the Washington DC event shortly after being announced, with critics accusing Trump of politicizing the anniversary. The possibility of evening thunderstorms could further disrupt the proceedings.
