APTOPIX America 250 Independence Day

Brian White, dressed in a bald eagle costume and patriotic U.S. flag-based clothing, stands along the route of an Independence Day parade in Huntington Beach, Calif., Saturday, July 4, 2026.

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Evacuation ordered at National Mall as storms gather ahead of Trump's July 4th speech

Evacuation ordered at National Mall as storms gather ahead of Trump's July 4th speech

An evacuation has been ordered at the National Mall as storms gather around Washington just hours before President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech commemorating America’s 250th anniversary of independence. Those on the Mall were encouraged to go to federal buildings nearby or Smithsonian museums. “Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement Saturday evening.