US President Donald Trump addressed crowds in Washington, DC, during the America 250 Independence Day celebrations after severe thunderstorms forced a temporary evacuation of the National Mall and delayed the event by more than an hour.

Despite the disruption and an intense heatwave affecting much of the eastern United States, organisers resumed the celebrations later in the evening, allowing Trump to deliver a speech lasting just under 40 minutes.

During his remarks, he praised American history, military service and national unity while criticising communism and promoting his administration's policies, including stricter voter identification measures.

Trump welcomed several guests to the stage, including 104-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor Captain Ken Schubring and the Artemis II lunar mission crew, and displayed historic American flags as part of the ceremony.

The event concluded with what organisers described as the largest fireworks display in US history, involving approximately 850,000 fireworks over the National Mall.

Earlier in the day, extreme temperatures with a real-feel of around 107°F (42°C) led to delays to the Great American State Fair and required cooling stations, water distribution points and medical assistance for dozens of attendees.According to officials, more than 50 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on Saturday, with several requiring hospital treatment.The broader heatwave also caused event cancellations elsewhere and has been linked to more than 20 weather-related deaths across several states.

Trump acknowledged both the heat and the storms, insisting that the national celebration should proceed on Independence Day despite the challenging conditions.