Trump warns of communism, pushes voting restrictions in storm-delayed Independence Day address

President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Saturday for the 250th anniversary of American independence, speaking after a nearly two-hour delay caused by a severe storm. He thanked attendees for their patience and declared that 'nothing can stop us.'

In his 40-minute speech, Trump warned against communism, calling it a 'loser' and a 'cancer' that must be 'cut out quickly.' He listed American achievements including military victories, the moon landing, and the Wright brothers' first powered flight. He also called on Congress to pass legislation to restrict mail-in voting and require citizenship documentation for voter registration.

The speech, which followed a fireworks display of 850,000 shells from ten locations, was criticized by media as a campaign-style address blending patriotism with partisan politics. Trump did not name the Democratic Party directly but has increasingly used the term 'communism' to criticize left-wing politicians.

Severe weather affected Fourth of July celebrations across the country. In Washington D.C., the National Mall was temporarily evacuated due to lightning and strong winds. Events were canceled in Hartford, Connecticut; Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Boston, New York, and Pittsburgh rescheduled their events due to the heat and storms.