Trump celebrates US 250th anniversary with massive National Mall rally

President Donald Trump has celebrated the 250th anniversary of United States independence, anchoring a massive Salute to America showcase on the National Mall.

The landmark semiquincentennial milestone, which marks two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, featured highly publicised military flyovers, parachute displays by the Army and Navy teams, and what organisers billed as the largest fireworks show in world history.

Accompanied by family members and senior administration officials, the President focused his address heavily on American history and national pride.

"For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world," Trump said.

"All over the world, they try and be like us. Nobody can be like us. And with God's help, we will always be this or even better."

'Wait it out'

Trump's speech came after severe thunderstorms forced a temporary evacuation of attendees from the National Mall and delayed his evening address.

Trump said in a Truth Social post that he would go ahead with the speech despite the weather delay, saying organisers expected the storm to pass and that the address was likely to take place around 11 pm local time (0300GMT).

"We will wait it out, I don't care if it’s 2:00 O'Clock in the morning, or in one hour from now. Looks like it is going to pass, they always do."

"I will be there no matter what," he added. "I'm not going to let some rain stop our 250th."