The Fourth of July speech by US President Donald Trump has been postponed due to a severe weather alert, as thunderstorms interrupted Independence Day festivities in Washington DC. The revised schedule indicates that the gates to the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 PM local time, with the President's address now set to commence at 11:00 PM.

Thousands gathered at the National Mall were instructed to evacuate on Saturday evening after the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the area. Attendees at the Great American State Fair and other nearby events were urged to find shelter as the storm approached.

Notices placed outside the fairgrounds informed visitors of the event's delay due to the severe weather, stating: "The Great American State Fair Event Delayed due to severe weather. The event is postponed until weather passes... Please proceed to the nearest exit." As of 7:15 PM ET, Freedom 250 had not provided an update regarding a reopening time on its social media platforms.

Despite the weather challenges, Trump expressed his determination to deliver his speech. In an interview with Fox News, he remarked, "Maybe it will be a little bit shorter, but I am going to do it whether it's 10 PM, 11 PM, or even 2 AM... If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech."

Later, Trump shared on Truth Social, "We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning, or in one hour from now. Looks like it is going to pass, they always do. I will be there no matter what, but the 'what' usually turns out to be a good thing. It’s Saturday night, LET'S HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight. They say 11:00 O’Clock for the speech. Who cares???"

According to Freedom 250, Trump's address is now slated to begin at 9:45 PM ET on the National Mall, which he has referred to as a "rally." A senior official from the White House also indicated to media outlets that the President is still expected to speak, although the timing may shift based on weather developments.

Following his address, Trump is scheduled to participate in what Freedom 250 has dubbed the "World's Largest Fireworks Display," planned for 10:30 PM ET, although this event may also be impacted if severe weather continues.