Trump Delivers Speech at July 4 Event on National Mall

The speech began more than an hour behind schedule after thunderstorms and high temperatures delayed the program. The president addressed a crowd largely made up of his supporters.

He said the United States is the most incredible nation ever to exist on the face of the earth and described the evening as something very special. Trump also repeated his standard political messages, including warnings about communism and calls to support his electoral reform proposals. The 30-minute address followed the same themes as a speech he gave the previous day at Mount Rushmore.

Surrounded by veterans and standing before historic American flags, the president said he would have spoken even if only one person remained. The event took place under rain that continued through the evening.