President Donald Trump touted the record-breaking fireworks display prepared for Saturday’s festivities celebrating America’s 250th birthday on the National Mall.
“Best fireworks show, EVER! President DJT,” he posted via his Truth Social platform after the last of the munitions had been spent.
The 40-minute display included more than 850,000 individual fireworks, breaking the Guiness World Record for the largest fireworks display on record. American military service members provided the soundtrack for the massive spectacle, singing hits like Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
The largest firework show in U.S. history for America’s 250th birthday!!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Id0oyS8uLN
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) July 5, 2026
🚨 BOOM! THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA IS ALIVE AND WELL!
Washington DC and President Trump just BROKE THE RECORD for most fireworks EVER, and cities nationwide launched their own celebrations on America 250
After weather evacuations, patriots BROKE OUT into Star Spangled Banner before… pic.twitter.com/MnqtfylDG4
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 5, 2026
The 250 fireworks finale! pic.twitter.com/qbgkLDhHFr
— Beverly Hallberg (@BeverlyHallberg) July 5, 2026
The entire National Mall fireworks show in about a minute, seen from the webcam at the top of the Washington Monument starting with the B1 Lancer flyover. pic.twitter.com/BY0AlLawBl
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) July 5, 2026
World War II veterans who were honored during President Trump’s remarks watched the incredible display from their memorial.
They left home as boys 8 decades ago to go out and save the world. Last night they sat at the WWII Memorial together and celebrated their country’s 250th. Still heroic. pic.twitter.com/RXnOmtMVj7
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton) July 5, 2026
Throughout the evening, the fireworks and other program events competed with uncooperative weather, as a large thunderstorm blew through the nation’s capital and even forced a delay in the president’s remarks.
Lightning lit up the sky behind the Washington Monument as the crowd joined in singing “Sweet Caroline.”
HOLY SH*T:
I just caught the moment lighting strikes near the Washington Monument as “Sweet Caroline” plays during the Freedom 250 fireworks in Washington D.C.
God bless America. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5Q92TgBGST
— Evan Kilgore 🇺🇸 (@EvanAKilgore) July 5, 2026
Lightning photobombs DC’s fireworks show.
Remarkable images shared with us by Russell Moy. pic.twitter.com/fJhYtuYDfk
— Capital Weather (@capitalweather) July 5, 2026
Watch: Dramatic lightning strike during DC’s fireworks Saturday night.
While lightning appears to strike Washington Monument, the bolt actually is behind it.
Video by @AlyssaNegvesky pic.twitter.com/oTVxARQ4oK
— Capital Weather (@capitalweather) July 5, 2026
Photo of the night contender from angela n. Stunning shot!!
More lightning + fireworks photos compiled on the site or at the Capital Weather app. pic.twitter.com/bgPFCIQxOH
— Capital Weather (@capitalweather) July 5, 2026
Despite the weather, well over 100,000 spectators gathered on the National Mall to witness the display — and cities all across the United States joined in with their own celebrations.
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