Trump celebrates Fourth of July in National Mall address, repeatedly touches on politics – ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Trump celebrates Fourth of July in National Mall address, repeatedly touches on politics  ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Weather delayed Trump's address celebrating America's 250th birthday. President Donald Trump on Saturday delivered a Fourth of July address from the National Mall, praising the American spirit and the founders who fought the British 250 years ago to pave the path to American independence — hours after the event was delayed by weather in the nation's capital. Taking the stage at 11:15 p.m., an hour and 15 minutes after originally planned, the president said, "Tonight we pledge allegiance to the flag they gave us, and we say, God bless the immortal patriots of 1776. And long live the cause of independence." The president brought up present-day politics. During the speech, he promoted his signature SAVE America Act, which would drastically change the administration of American elections just months out from the midterms, and repeatedly railed against communism.

During his speech, Trump touted several historic flags that hung on the stage behind him, including an original 1777 flag and the flag that draped over President Abraham Lincoln's coffin. The president had multiple veterans and Medal of Honor recipients from various American wars come onto stage at several points to salute the historic flags. The speech, which culminated in a flyover and a massive fireworks display, came following a major disruption to the show as crowds who waited for hours in the