Trump commemorates America 250 after storms force temporary evacuation

President Donald Trump commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence Saturday on the National Mall despite severe storms that forced a roughly two-hour evacuation of the site. Severe weather also disrupted celebrations across the East Coast, prompting cancellations in Hartford, Connecticut and Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, while Boston, Philadelphia and other cities briefly suspended or rescheduled events. Trump delivered his speech after the evacuation was lifted, telling the returning crowd that celebrations would not be deterred.

Heat approaching triple digits across much of the East Coast compounded the weather disruptions during the day-long festivities. Attendees sought refuge in museums, subway stations and federal buildings near the National Mall to escape the extreme temperatures.