Donald Trump pokes fun at British surrender and declares 'America is back' in Independence Day speech

Donald Trump poked fun at Britain's surrender and declared "America is back" as he addressed the nation for the 250th anniversary of US independence.

Mr Trump had been slated to speak at around 2.45am BST - but thunderstorms and evacuations in Washington DC threatened to derail the address, fireworks and performances in the lead-up to the event.

It was only after 4.15am that the President eventually took to the stage to speak.

In a shorter speech than his July 3 address at Mount Rushmore, the President hailed American triumphs, invited veterans and astronauts to the stage, and railed against communism.

Showing off an American flag from 1777, he told crowds: "These were the stars and stripes that flew triumphant when the British waved the white flag of surrender at Yorktown.

"That was a big surrender. Nobody thought that was possible."

A huge fireworks display, billed as the largest in history, then erupted over the capital.

Chaos earlier broke out in the heart of Washington DC after the National Mall was evacuated amid a severe weather warning.

Just hours before Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver his speech, crowds on the National Mall were encouraged to flee to federal buildings nearby or Smithsonian museums.

Political commentator Tiffany Marie Brannon described the evacuation as a "mad screaming rush" and "utter pandemonium", speaking to GB News from the event.

She said an evacuation announcement was made, then reversed, then issued again sparking chaos in the National Mall.

The huge July 4 fireworks display is now going ahead, with Donald Trump and his family watching on.

The President, his son Donald Jr, his granddaughter Kai and his wife Melania can all be seen looking out over the historic pyrotechnics.

Tonight's long-awaited fireworks display will go ahead, Donald Trump has said.

The President has billed the pyrotechnics as the "largest fireworks show in history".

Some 850,000 fireworks are set to be lit over DC in a bid to break the world record for shells used in a fireworks show.

The record is currently held by a church in the Philippines, which used 810,904 fireworks.

Donald Trump welcomed the crew of Artemis II to the stage alongside Jack Schmitt, the last living man to have walked on the Moon.

Standing in front of the flag flown from the Wright Brothers' plane, the five watched on as Mr Trump hailed American achievements in space and science.

"We're going to go to Mars," the President then vowed.

America is "back" and "winning like never before", Donald Trump has said - as he compared the US's military victories in the past to the war in Iran.

"We have the banner that flew atop our flagship after America's Navy sank the Spanish fleet to the bottom of Manila Bay, one of the greatest naval victories in history," he says.

"Much like our recent victory by sinking the entire Iranian Navy, 159 ships, to the bottom of the sea.

"All done in just a moment's time; it happened very quickly. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world."

Donald Trump has ripped into communists in a mirror to his speech below Mount Rushmore last night.

"All this talk from the communists, they haven’t got a chance, not even a chance," Mr Trump said.

"We don't want communists in our country.

"It's never worked, and it never will work. Americans must never forget that we are a historic and heroic people with a heroic spirit and a heroic purpose on this beautiful earth of ours."

The President has just taken a light swipe at Britain as he showed off one of the first American flags, from 1777, to the stage.

The flag, bearing 13 stripes and 13 stars, flew at the battle of Yorktown.

"These were the stars and stripes that flew triumphant when the British waved the white flag of surrender at Yorktown," Mr Trump says.

"That was a big surrender. Nobody thought that was possible."

"If I am going to speak in front of one person at four o’clock in the morning, I'm here," Donald Trump says.

The President said "a very important person" had suggested his speech could go ahead this week - but he insisted: "We want July 4, not July something else."

Donald Trump is now speaking for America 250.

"If you thought that was easy, it wasn't," he jokes, referring to the hours-long wait to take to the stage amid this afternoon's thunderstorms.

Stay with us, and we'll bring you all the latest updates from his speech as they come in...

Independence Day celebrations are finally underway in Washington DC after hours of delays.

The US Armed Forces choir is on stage right now in front of a large crowd - or, at least, one which managed to reenter the venue after being evacuated earlier.

Donald Trump has been seen fielding a phone call ahead of tonight's address - scheduled to begin in just over half an hour.

The President appears to be monitoring the news in a booth in DC before the speech - with rain streaming down the outside.

"America, it's time to celebrate," organisers Freedom 250 have just said in a statement.

"The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11pm (4am BST) and the fireworks spectacular will follow.

"Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation's historic 250th birthday.

"For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination. A little rain will never diminish our pride, our patriotism, or our celebration of the greatest nation in the history of the world."

Fires have broken out on New York City's Brooklyn Bridge in what appears to be an Independence Day fireworks mishap.

Flames and smoke can be seen rising from the iconic bridge into the night sky - which appear to be from the launch tubes on the tarmac.

"Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion," the President has just said on Truth Social.

In a lengthy statement, Donald Trump continues: "They also make events a little bit more exciting! We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2am, 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 11pm for the speech. Who cares??? Remember two weeks ago when the big UFC Event was at 100 per cent chance of heavy rain, all week long, and just minutes before the card started.

"Well, there wasn’t a single drop, and the fights turned out to be among the greatest in history, an event for the ages.

"Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th. I’m leaving the White House soon. God Bless America!"

Donald Trump told Fox News: "Those veterans had to go through bad weather on D-Day. I'm going through bad weather.

"No matter what happens, I am going to do this speech, we are going to do this programme.

"Maybe it'll be a little bit shorter - but I'm going to do it, whether it's 10 or 11 or 2am.

"I don't care [if there's nobody there]. It's America 250. If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech."

Donald Trump has now told Fox News he will speak "no matter what" amid tonight's delays and evacuations.

It's still unclear when the President will speak, with the provisional 2.45am BST time still in place.

Donald Trump is still silent on whether tonight's scheduled speech, concert and fireworks will go ahead.

The President is still scheduled to appear at 2.45am for his speech, which he has billed as "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all."

Freedom 250, the group organising the event, says public safety officials are monitoring weather conditions.

As a line of storms rolled in, the US Secret Service has said it is not letting any more people through security checkpoints.

All remaining aircraft flyovers in Washington DC have been cancelled, organisers have said.

Tiffany Marie Brannon, still on the ground in DC, says the turmoil "feels like quite the act of God... but not in our favour".

"It feels like a thunderstorm is coming," she added. "You can see right over here above the museums in the background... the wind has been incredibly gusty. Massive gusts, massive wind. It's blown over quite a few things. If you had anything on your chair, you were having to hold it down."

The Great American State Fair and FIFA Fan Zone at the National Mall are both being cleared out due to inclement weather.

Tiffany Marie Brannon, speaking to GB News, says she has seen numerous lightning bolts nearby amid the chaos.

Footage on social media from the National Mall shows crowds rushing to leave, while gusts of wind are beginning to knock down fencing and loose objects.

We'll bring you more on the "pandemonium", as Ms Brannon has put it, shortly...

Donald Trump has held a nearly 90-minute-long phone call with Vladimir Putin on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Mr Trump offered to help find a solution to the Ukraine war, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said - and claimed that Mr Putin gave him a "realistic assessment of the battlefield situation in Ukraine".

"The American President once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting and find solutions to overcome the crisis," Mr Ushakov said.

He said Russia sought "a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict, with due account of Russia's fundamental approach".

Earlier, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said he and Mr Trump had also discussed the more than four-years-long invasion of his country, calling it a "very good phone call".

"President Trump and I discussed the current situation on the frontline as well as our diplomatic efforts," he said.

"There is a real prospect to put an end to this war, and America's resolve is decisive."

Both calls were to mark the 250th birthday of the United States - and the Kremlin said Mr Putin congratulated his US counterpart on the occasion.

The Russian President also invited Mr Trump to Russia.

Donald Trump has teased his speech tonight in a post on social media, dismissing any concerns about heat stopping America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

In his speech at 10pm tonight, the US President is expected to talk about the nation’s founding, highlight what he believes makes America exceptional, and tout his accomplishments in office.

He wrote on Truth Social: "Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in DC are INCREDIBLE! The love of our country has never been stronger!

"The Air Shows are at a level never seen before - What great pilots, what great equipment!!! See you all later!

"Speaking at around 10pm at The Lincoln Memorial. The Reflecting Pool looks great, despite all it went through with the vandal thugs.

"Will quickly drain and fix the damage done right after this big weekend.

"Happy Independence Day. Our country is stronger than EVER!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Donald Trump has declared "liberty has prevailed" in a fresh message with just hours remaining until America 250 festivities begin.

"Lberty has prevailed here because of the culture and the character of the people who declared it, defended it, and preserved it," he said.

"We reach a milestone like no other and celebrate with joyful hearts and soaring spirits."

Mr Trump is expected to speak at around 2.45am BST.

The Red Arrows have released a video, showing the cockpit view during their fabulous flypast in New York to celebrate Americas 250th anniversary.

A tiny Statue of Liberty can be seen as the plane goes past together with dozens of tall ships representing the US's international allies.

Germany's Brandenburg Gate has been illuminated to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

The Stars and Stripes were projected over one of Germany's most famous monuments with the words Freedom 250 under the Quadriga.

A new US weather record has been set today as preliminary data from Reagan National Airport shows the capital climbed to 101F (38.3C) this afternoon.

The previous record for the DC area, set in 1919, was 100 degrees, although US temperature records only began in 1871.

The National Weather Service is set to confirm the record later this afternoon.

JD Vance has told Americans to reject those who talk down the nation in a public address to celebrate the country's Independence Day.

Speaking at the International Naval Review, the Vice President delivered a pointed message, aimed at critics of the US, saying: "I have to address what you will hear from some loud voices today, because as much as all of us, whether we’re Democrat or Republican, whatever our political persuasion, all of us are celebrating, but you will hear a couple small but loud voices today speak obsessively, not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections."

Mr Vance said critics "talk about America's sins with the anger and zeal of a brimstone preacher, but without any of the grace or forgiveness that must be present in the Christian faith".

His comments were diametrically opposed to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who wrote on X: "Remember that patriotism is not pretending our nation is without flaws.

"Patriotism is every act of righteous dissent — because loving our country means fighting for the best version of it."

A member of the US Navy parachute team "Leap Frogs" saw pictured landing with a giant US flag on The Ellipse near the White House.

An annual Independence Day parade and the US Naval Academy’s Electric Brigade Concert have been cancelled in Annapolis, Maryland, as lightning and heavy wind are set to strike the area in just hours.

Despite cancelling the parade and the concert, fireworks are still scheduled to go ahead at 9.15pm, but they may be delayed, the city announced.

The city confirmed the parade will not be rescheduled.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in place over Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC and is set to coincide with Donald Trump's record-breaking fireworks display.

Damaging wind are set to be the biggest concern for the display going ahead.

JD Vance has said he has a "special affection for Britain" but said the revolving door of No10 was cause for concern.

"I have a special affection for Britain,” he told The Times.

"If I’m being honest, I think, as much as I care about it for reasons of mutual interest — and American alliances — I also just care about it because Britain feels more culturally familiar to me than any country on Earth, aside from my own."

He continued: "What I see is six prime ministers in the last few years. What that says to me is that something is very broken about British politics and that people are really crying out for significant structural change.

"I hope that Andy Burnham — and if not Andy Burnham, somebody else — is able to deliver it. Because Britain is such a beautiful country, such an amazing place. It has the most amazing people in the world."

The fireworks show in Washington DC is expected to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display.

Planning for the event suggests nearly 850,000 fireworks will be launched from 10 sites spanning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Potomac River barges and West Potomac Park.

Air quality in Washington DC and the surrounding states is set to reach "very unhealthy" levels today as the US administration prepares for a record-setting fireworks show and Donald Trump's major speech.

An “unhealthy” forecast has been issued by the US Air Quality Index for suburban Maryland, right outside of the nation’s capital.

Maryland’s Montgomery County Health Officer Dr Kisha Davis told CNN the heat will lead to poor quality throughout the day and the fireworks will make it worse.

"If you can be inside, be inside,” Davis recommends.

"The air quality today is like running a marathon while smoking a cigarette."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a personal message to President Donald Trump to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

Addressing "Dear Donald", he offered his US counterpart his most “sincere congratulations” on the landmark.

He continued to write on an official Kremlin channel: "The signing of the US Declaration of Independence not only marked the beginning of your nation’s existence but also became a major milestone in world history.

"At that time, Russia unconditionally supported the North American colonists in their struggle for freedom from British rule.

"I am confident that establishing constructive, equal, and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington is in the interests not only of our peoples but also of the entire international community."

A town in Britain has joined the US in celebrating its 250th anniversary due to its incredible connection to America's first president.

Washington Old Hall in Washington, Sunderland, today hosted several free celebratory events in recognition of America's landmark.

Eric Wilton, the National Trust's general manager, said the festivities were "very poignant this year".

He said: "Old Hall holds a special place in the shared history of our two countries."

A new poll has found that the majority of Americans think events celebrating the US's 250th anniversary have grown "too political".

The Reuters/Ipsos poll found three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans think the events go too far.

Donald Trump has sought to remake wide swaths of the capital city ahead of the 250th celebration, with mixed results.

Many fountains and statues have been renovated, but problems have beset a much-touted $15million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool and security cameras and soldiers now stand watch over its peeling paint and algae-fouled waters.

Patriot Front activists descended on Washinton DC in their hundreds for a march through America's capital on the 250th anniversary of US independence.

The group which advocates for the creation of a white ethnostate in the United States, arrived wearing white balaclavas and beige hats with many carrying Confederate flags and banners calling to 'Reclaim America'

As they began marching, they were closely followed by police on bikes and quickly dispersed after their 30-minute demonstration.

Pope Leo has praised the United States' history of welcoming immigrants in his first major address to his home country on Friday.

In a video appearance, the pontiff urged Americans to live up to the ideals put forward in the Declaration of Independence.

The first-ever US pope, who has criticised President Donald Trump's hardline anti-immigrant policies as "inhuman", said the word "America" had become a "byword for freedom" across the world because of the way the country welcomed immigrants.

President Donald Trump will mark the country's 250th anniversary with a political rally at the National Mall in Washington.

He has promised that his evening appearance among the city's iconic monuments will be "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all," and will be accompanied by military flyovers and a super-sized fireworks display.

Washington's annual July 4 celebration typically draws hundreds of thousands of people but past US Presidents have steered clear of the celebration.

Several Democratic-led states declined to send delegations, and many of the performers who had been scheduled to appear dropped out.

Other activities with Freedom 250 branding include a faith rally featuring mostly conservative Christian speakers, and multiple sports events, including a card of mixed martial arts bouts on the White House grounds for Trump's 80th birthday and an IndyCar race in Washington scheduled for August.

Across the United States, Americans plan to celebrate the patriotic holiday with fireworks and parades.

Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence from Britain was signed 250 years ago on July 4, 1776, will offer free cupcakes and a six-hour pop-music concert.

JD Vance has said he is "proud of my fellow Americans" as the nation celebrates July 4.

Speaking from a stage aboard the USS Kearsarge following a reenlistment ceremony in New York Harbour, the Vice President said: "Today we celebrate 250 years of America facing the future without fear."

"We celebrate 250 years of proving what a free people can achieve by the providence of our Almighty Creator."

Reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, he continued: "The Declaration was written with the assumption that its audience would immediately grasp its words. Though they had never heard it, they would know exactly what it meant.”

"It wasn't written for historians. It wasn't written for academics. It wasn't written for the generations to come. It was written for the people of this fledgling country."

He concluded his message to the troops by saying: "We'll need to do our part to create the next 250 years of American greatness. So I say to all my fellow Americans — I'm proud of you. Happy birthday and happy birthday to our great nation!

"Today my friends, we celebrate and tomorrow we get back to work. God bless you. Thank you for having me."

Flypasts from the RAF's Red Arrows and the US Navy's Blue Angels have flown the American colours across the skies of New York to celebrate the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.

In addition, a parade of tall ships from around the world and other naval vessels have come to New York Bay.

The White House has posted a video to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The footage, which shows a fireworks display above Mount Rushmore, was simply posted alongside: "HAPPY 250TH AMERICA!!!!"

Warren Stephens, the US Ambassador to the UK, has hailed the "special relationship" between the two nations, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day.

Speaking exclusively to GB News at his residence, Mr Stephens gave The People's Channel special access to the 250th birthday celebrations in London.

Discussing the relationship between the UK and the US, Mr Stephens said: "I think there's every reason in the world that our relationship will be the same in another 250 years.

"Of course, nobody really knows where it's going to be in 250 years or even 20 years, but my strong suspicion is that it'll be even better and we'll continue to work with the United Kingdom in so many areas across the world that that we do have common interest in.

"I'd be sad if it wasn't because it really is a special relationship, and the UK is our closest ally."

Barack Obama has issued a statement on America's 250th anniversary, calling on US citizens to continue the work of previous generations.

The former President wrote on X: "America is a constant work in progress.

"Every generation must take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it further—protecting what’s right, fixing what’s wrong, and making our union a little more perfect. 250 years later, that’s more important than ever."

Nigel Farage joined JD Vance to celebrate America's 250th anniversary ahead of the independence rally held by Donald Trump.

Posting the picture to his 2.3 million followers, the Reform UK leader wrote on X: "Celebrating the relationship between Britain and America with JD Vance."

'Happy Fourth of July!' the US Embassy in France posted on X alongside a picture of the Eiffel Tower lit up in the American colours

A retired insurance broker has uncovered a "vanishingly rare" copy of the US Declaration of Independence, revealed a few days before the 250th birthday of the nation.

Michael Scurr made the find at the Kew-based National Archives, where he volunteers, on what he described as a "boring, old Thursday morning".

The document is the sole example of its kind located outside the United States and is one of just 11 surviving copies of a 1776 printing produced in Exeter, New Hampshire.

From the frontier wars of colonial Pennsylvania to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this special GB News documentary explores the untold story of the Ulster-Scots settlers whose fight for land, representation and freedom helped spark the American Revolution.

Investigated by GB News Northern Ireland Reporter Dougie Beattie, this documentary features historians and experts on location across Pennsylvania, and tells the remarkable story of how ordinary men and women from Britain and Ireland helped build a new nation.

King Charles III has released a statement celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The monarch praised the two nations' "centuries of shared challenge and achievement" in the message shared on social media.

The King embarked on a historic State Visit to the US earlier this year, where he met up with his friend and President Donald Trump, playing a crucial role in reigniting the fractured relations.

In his message, the sovereign said: "Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people."

A forty-gallon time capsule has been lowered into the ground at Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park.

Containing memorabilia from around the country, the capsule will be opened on America's 500th birthday - all the way into the future in 2276.

The capsule includes a number of "period items" including a glass Coca-Cola bottle and an iPhone.

Donald Trump pumped his fist at the press as he jetted off to Mount Rushmore to deliver a speech at a rally marking the 250th anniversary of American independence last night.

Donald Trump declared that "every king and prime minister respects us" as he kicked off the 250th anniversary of US independence at Mount Rushmore.

Standing below the iconic American monument on the eve of July 4, the President delivered a near-half-hour-long speech decrying communism, praising the States, and hailing the spirit of independence and the accomplishments of the American people.

At one stage in his address, Mr Trump turned his fire on Joe Biden - and then, the kings and prime ministers who mocked the US.

"Two years ago, we were laughed at, mocked, and a nation in decline," he said. "We were in very serious decline."