MEDORA, North Dakota — President Donald Trump said he intends to deliver a lengthy Fourth of July address in Washington despite forecasts of extreme heat, saying he would proceed "just to show that I can do anything" as preparations continue for the U.S. 250th Independence Day celebration.
Trump made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the opening ceremony for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, ahead of a holiday weekend expected to draw large crowds to the National Mall.
"By the way, on July 4th, it's going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I'm going to go, and I'm going to make a really long speech just to show that I can do anything," Trump said during his address.
The president is scheduled to headline the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks," an event organized by Freedom 250 as part of the nation's semiquincentennial observances. According to organizers, festivities are set to begin at 7 p.m. EDT, with Trump's speech scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Fireworks are expected to follow later in the evening, although organizers have said the timing could depend on the length of the president's remarks and any weather-related delays.
The National Weather Service has forecast dangerous heat across the Washington area on Independence Day, with temperatures and heat index values expected to reach levels that increase the risk of heat-related illness. Officials and event organizers have urged attendees to stay hydrated, seek shade when possible and follow public safety guidance.
Security for the celebration will be heightened, with attendees passing through airport-style screening and restrictions on the size of bags permitted on the National Mall, according to event organizers and the U.S. Secret Service.
The Fourth of July program is part of broader commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Trump has promoted the Washington event as a centerpiece of those celebrations, which will include military flyovers, live entertainment and an expanded fireworks display.
As of Thursday, organizers said the event remained on schedule while continuing to monitor weather conditions and advised attendees to prepare for prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
