9:48 p.m.—Welp, it looks like America has been saluted. This morning, we posed a series of questions about how the day’s events would unfold. Here are the answers (or lack thereof) to most of them.

• WAS THIS A PART OF THE CAMPAIGN?: President Donald Trump steered clear of current events in his remarks. There were no mentions of 2020 candidates, or other polarizing topics. His focus remained solely on highlighting the five branches of the military and famous Americans.
• WILL IT RAIN?: Oh, it rained! The precipitation led to an announced delay at Salute to America and a brief evacuation of the A Capitol Fourth Concert amid reports of lightning. Ultimately, though, President Donald Trump’s speech and the accompanying military flyovers took place pretty close to schedule (even if the rain meant that the Trump’s protective glass was covered in water droplets). .
• WILL D.C.’S ROADS HOLD UP?: We’ll see. D.C. officials have pledged they will dispatch engineers to evaluate whether tanks and other elements of Trump’s military display caused damage to city streets, and then ask the feds to reimburse the District if so.
• WHO WERE THE VIPs?: The Salute to America event included a ticketed VIP area around the Lincoln Memorial. That group included Gold Star families, Republican Party officials, and cabinet officials.
• WERE THERE ANY CLASHES?: The biggest visible fracas happened outside the White House about an hour before the Salute to America event. A permitted flag burning protest was disrupted by the Proud Boys, a conservative group known for its violent interactions at large public gatherings, and other pro-Trump folks. The Secret Service said that its officers arrested two people, one for felony assault on a police officer and malicious burning, the other for obstructing a police investigation and resisting arrest. Two officers received minor injuries while attempting to make the arrests, per the Secret Service. Both of the arrestees were associated with the flag burning protest, and one of them was the man who acquired the permit, Gregory Lee “Joey” Johnson. Johnson was the plaintiff in the 1987 Supreme Court case that ruled flag burning was a constitutional right. Meanwhile, video footage shows Proud Boys getting a police escort to a nearby bar. This whole event may serve as a preview for the far-right rally slated for this Saturday, which will include prominent Proud Boys.
• DID THE TRUMP BALLOONS STAY GROUNDED?: The giant baby Trump balloon remained on the ground, per National Park Service rules. At one point, in the midst of the rain, it was deflated, before protesters re-inflated it.
• HOW BIG WERE THE CROWDS FOR A “SALUTE TO AMERICA”? Trump tweeted that it was a “great crowd of tremendous Patriots … all the way back to the Washington Monument.” The National Park Service does not release official crowd estimates. Photos showed plenty of extra space in the ticketed area, but photos of the remainder of the Reflecting Pool showed a significant turnout.
• UH, WHAT’S THE COST?:  We’re no closer to answering this question than we were this morning.

Learn more about the day that was through our dispatches below.

After A Tame Trump Speech And Military Flyovers, A Salute To America Ends

7:50 p.m.—“The Battle Hymn of the Republic” played to mark the end of President Donald Trump’s address to the nation on the Fourth of July in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Trump appeared to stay on script during the speech, which steered clear of current events and was instead peppered with references to famous Americans in history, including a handful of previous presidents, as well as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Douglas MacArthur, Thomas Edison, and more.

As promised, the speech included flyovers from all five branches of the U.S. Military, and the president also called for more Americans to join the armed forces.

With the Salute to America event over, the annual free concert, “A Capitol Fourth,” is slated to begin at 8 p.m. Event organizers have taken pains to clarify that the show is “unaffiliated with any other July 4 event.” It will feature performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, Carole King, Vanessa Carlton, and more. John Stamos is serving as host again.

After that, it’ll be fireworks time, barring any weather-related delays.

President Trump Takes The Stage

6:49 p.m.—President Donald Trump took the stage alongside First Lady Melania Trump during his Salute to America event, cheered on by members of the audience. He is joined by the vice president, members of Congress and the administration, and representatives from the military.

Trump breaks longstanding presidential tradition by addressing the nation from the National Mall on July 4, during an event paid for by tax dollars.

Government watchdogs have pledged to watch the content of the speech for anything resembling partisan political activities, which would represent a violation of the Hatch Act.

We will be watching very closely to see whether Trump’s takeover of DC’s July 4th events will violate the law. https://t.co/83oweOodkl

— Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) July 4, 2019

The Baby Trump Balloon Has Been Reinflated

6:43 p.m.—It’s been an up-and-down day for Trump’s balloon doppelganger.

The anti-war group Code Pink set up the protest blimp this morning, drawing no shortage of attention. The organizers deflated it (see below) around 2:30 p.m. due to heavy winds.

But the bloated baby is sitting tall again, just in time for the president’s speech. Protesters have been spotted snapping selfies with it.

Trump Says A Salute To America Is Still On

6:23 p.m.—The president has tweeted: A Salute To America is still on.

“Weather looking good, clearing rapidly and temperatures going down fast. See you in 45 minutes, 6:30 to 7:00 P.M. at Lincoln Memorial!” he promised at 6 p.m. (the math doesn’t quite add up).

Down at the event, Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence were just introduced to the crowd. If you want to watch, here’s a livestream.

Security is also letting people back in to the Capitol Fourth Concert. Lines to re-enter have stretched around the corner.

Meanwhile, a B2 bomber was also spotted flying overhead in neighborhoods in northern D.C., including Friendship Heights and Fort Totten.

Lafayette Square Closed After Fight Breaks Out During Flag Burning

6:12 p.m.—Secret Service has closed off Lafayette Square and taken people into custody after a fight broke out during a flag burning protest.

Among those arrested was Gregory Lee “Joey” Johnson, who received a permit from the National Park Service “to burn a U.S. flag as a symbol of imagining a world without America” in Lafayette Square, according to the permit. (Johnson was the plaintiff in a case that ruled laws banning flag burning were unconstitutional). Carl Dix of the Revolutionary Communist Party confirmed that the two people arrested were associated the flag burning protest.

A total of two flags were lit on fire around 5 p.m., amid fierce opposition from a group of pro-Trump counter protesters. According to Washingtonian senior editor Andrew Beaujon, Greg Aselbekian of D.C. and Jerome Duprey of Florida took responsibility for grabbing one of the burned flags. Aselbekian is among the advertised speakers at a far-right rally on Saturday in Freedom Plaza.

The other flag was reportedly put out by Secret Service.

Blocks away from the “Salute to America,” a much different Independence Day scene outside the White House — a group of protesters lit an American flag on fire, violence and confrontations between pro- and anti-Trump protesters, some arrests. USSS evacuated Lafayette Square. pic.twitter.com/xo4N6HDXLX

— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) July 4, 2019

The Secret Service said that its officers responded to an incident on Pennsylvania Avenue around 5:30 p.m. involving a person “burning an American flag outside the limits of a permit that had been issued by the National Park Service,” according to a statement provided by spokesperson Julia McMurray. Officers arrested two people: one for for felony assault on a police officer and malicious burning, the other for obstructing a police investigation and resisting arrest. (Secret Service does not name arrestees.)

One was transported to a hospital for minor injuries and the other was transported to the Metropolitan Police Department’s 2nd District for processing, per the Secret Service. Additionally, two Secret Service officers went to the hospital after they “received minor injuries while attempting to make arrests,” the law enforcement agency said.

Salute To America Start Will Be Delayed, Capitol Fourth Being Evacuated Amid Inclement Weather

5:53 p.m.—An announcement was made at Salute To America that the program is being delayed.

It’s not clear how long the event is postponed. A flash flood warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.

An announcement came on at Salute to America that said “Today’s event has been delayed. Please standby.” I believe more rain is on the way. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/KYxjeMSi2B

— Caroline Patrickis (@Cpatrickis) July 4, 2019

An Instagram account affiliated with National Airport is also suggesting that planned military flyovers might not be possible, given the conditions.

And security is evacuating the Capitol Fourth Concert amid reports of lighting.

“We heard about a military parade and all this new stuff Trump was doing, so we decided this would be a good year to come and do this,” said Hyattsville resident Guillermo Perez, as he and his family were snacking outside the event, which was evacuated around 5:20 p.m. If they can’t get in, he says they’ll just have to go home.

Rain And Trump Fans Are Rolling In

As we get closer to the planned start time for Trump’s Salute to America, we’re seeing both strong displays of support for the president and the first waves of rain rolling in to the National Mall.

A number of fans used Trump banners to shield themselves from the inclement weather.

Trump merch as rain gear, a mini photo essay pic.twitter.com/MXhFeEUsVA

— Andrew Beaujon (@abeaujon) July 4, 2019

And a large flatbed truck was parked near the Mall with a message “Build The Wall.”

Strong support for Trump on some parts of the mall today. #July4th pic.twitter.com/75WbUH61Jo

— Dominique Maria Bonessi (@dbonessi) July 4, 2019

Others say they are hunkered down around the National Mall just to see the fireworks, not Trump’s extravaganza.

“We came down just to see the fireworks,” said Carrie Meyers, who came from Baltimore with her husband, Michael. “Hopefully we’ll get to see some.”

The weather also put a damper on one of the most visible forms of protest: the Trump baby balloon, which was deflated amid heavy winds (see below for more).

Flights At DCA Are Delayed For About 1.5 Hours On Average Right Now

5:02 p.m.—We’re hoping that air travelers today remembered to pack a magazine.

Over at National Airport, departing flights have gate hold and taxi delays ranging from about 1 hour and 16 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, and increasing, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA attributes the hold-up to traffic management before the slated suspension of flights this evening to accommodate plans for the military flyover and the fireworks.

The website FlightAware also blames the weather for the delay.

Arriving flights are delayed at their origin for about 1 hour and 40 minutes on average, per the FAA.

Planes at DCA will be halted from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for the military flyover and again from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. during the 35-minute fireworks show. Flights at Dulles and BWI are not suspended during these times.

Already, about a dozen flights scheduled to leave from National have been canceled, according to WUSA reporter Pete Muntean.

Some DCA flights schefuled to depart during the #TrumpParade flyovers have already been canceled. Indianapolis, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Tallahassee, Columbus, Cincinnati. I count at least a dozen. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/8JRidexQmo

— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) July 4, 2019

What Locals And Tourists Have Had To Say About Today’s Festivities

4:21 p.m.—Over the course of the morning, WAMU and DCist reporters have been out on the ground talking to locals, tourists, and protesters alike. Here’s what they told us at and around the Independence Day Parade.

• “We wanted to be here to help support the nation. We’re very patriotic people in western North Carolina, Cherokee County, and so we came up to say hello and happy birthday to this nation…. I don’t know if it’s political. It’s certainly going to be patriotic.” — CB McKinnon, of North Carolina, at Constitution Avenue
• “Even though there’s like protesters and like supporters, hopefully everyone can get along and enjoy the holiday.” — Jack Rust of Toledo, Ohio, at the Independence Day Parade
• “We’re not very political. We also think that’s going to be more like a campaign speech than a salute to America. So who knows.” — Gerald Macachor, of Baltimore, at Independence Day Parade. He didn’t plan to stay for Trump’s Salute to America
• “It’s going to be the greatest fireworks show ever. … I haven’t seen anything really political at this point. I’ll have to listen to [Trump’s] speech.” — Robert Aycock, from Mississippi
• “It’s my first time doing anything like this, but I just was so upset by the recent images of children and the overcrowding in the jails, in the cages, on the border that I felt I had to come say something so that this didn’t become a completely pro-Trump rally as opposed to the nation’s birthday. That’s why I’m here.” — Jeff Strathern, of Frederick, Maryland. He was sitting near the World War II Memorial next to a Trump baby balloon in a crate with a sign that read “Cage Trump, not families”

Protestors Deflate Giant ‘Baby Trump’ Balloon Amid Windy Weather

2:56 p.m.—For most of the morning and afternoon, the epicenter of the day’s resistance was inflated on the National Mall at 17th and Constitution. But wind gusts have forced protesters to deflate the 20-foot diaper-clad “baby Trump.” They say they’re going to try to put it back up again.

#BabyTrumpBlimp having a hard time in this wind (there’s a pretty nasty storm nearby). Gets deflated for now, falls flat on its face. pic.twitter.com/Vtb0RgvXsj

— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) July 4, 2019

With some not so nice weather on its way, the “Baby Trump” balloon is being deflated. @WTOP #July4th2019 pic.twitter.com/9eUZM0bLGo

— Mike Murillo (@MikeMurilloWTOP) July 4, 2019

They had to deflate the #TrumpBabyBlimp because of wind. ? @juliemason @DCist @PoPville pic.twitter.com/zABPWWtNPj

— Phil Yabut (@philliefan_99) July 4, 2019

Anti-war group Code Pink set the blimp up this morning. Per restrictions from the National Park Service, it was grounded rather than soaring through the air (the group protested that decision, saying that the intention of the protest was for the president to actually see the balloon).

The spectacle also includes an 16-foot sculpture of a scowling, Maga-hat-wearing Trump tweeting with his pants down on a golden toilet.

And protestors are playing recordings of Trump saying things like “I am a very stable genius.”

Here’s what the scene looked like earlier in the day:

Another group of activists unaffiliated with Code Pink blew up and handed out more than a thousand baby Trump balloons.

“Right now we have a president who is politicizing the Fourth of July, turning it into a campaign platform,” said Louis Dankovich, of Hyattsville. “We wanted to, if it’s going to be politicized, provide a platform to converse about the problems of our president. And I tend to find that something cute and humorous like this is a lot easier to start a conversation with than bellowing and being angry.” He said he purchased the 1,200 balloons for 28 cents apiece from Alibaba.

And another event, dubbed “An Extraordinarily Childish Act of Patriotism and Civil Disobedience,” sold hundreds more balloons and distributed them from a pickup truck near the Farragut West Metro station.

But park rangers have been seen stopping people at access points and telling them to get rid of them. Helium balloons aren’t allowed on the National Mall, but it wasn’t clear if officials were planning to enforce the restriction.

One man on the mall with a Trump balloon, Adriel Stokes, said he was still going to try and protest the president at today’s Salute to America event.

“If they’re not going to let us take our signs in, then that’s clearly an infringement on our freedom of speech,” Stokes said.

At D.C.’s Palisades Parade, Boos For Trump Fans And Plenty Of Evans-Related Action

1:51 p.m.—With much of the attention on the National Mall, D.C.’s two big hometown parades went on as usual.

The local festivities kicked off at Barracks Row, where Mayor Muriel Bowser (and first daughter Miranda), Police Chief Peter Newsham, and many of the city’s councilmembers marched down 8th Street in Southeast.

Happy #FourthOfJuly! @MayorBowser’s green team was at the @BarracksRow Parade, next stop: #Palisades Parade. #SomosDC pic.twitter.com/zOJP0pPblL

— Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (@OLADCGov) July 4, 2019

Next up: the Palisades Parade, which was once described as the “biggest little hometown parade you’ll ever find in mostly too-stuffy, official Washington, D.C.” It has always been a magnet for local politicians (especially during campaign years), and this year was no exception.

Embattled Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans put in an appearance (the Palisades is on his home turf), as did candidates who have signed up to challenge him in the 2020 primary. Folks from the group Sack Jack were also present, shouting “Hey hey, ho ho, Jack Evans has got to go.”

“Hey hey, ho ho, Jack Evans has got to go” #palisadesparade pic.twitter.com/VlUD4bRI86

— Yasna Khademian (@YKhademian) July 4, 2019

Also spotted: a group advocating for retrocession to Maryland, organizers with #dontmutedc, a group of Deadheads looking to Make America Grateful Again, and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson getting dunked.

But even D.C.’s most local events aren’t immune from the national controversy otherwise playing out downtown.

A group of Trump fans were among the marchers. It’s not the first time they’ve put in an appearance at the Palisades Parade, but this year they got more than a few boos.

A MAGA group gets booed, someone calls Trump racist. pic.twitter.com/hZuWuMsxE0

— Cuneyt Dil (@cuneytdil) July 4, 2019

A Flash Flood Watch Is In Effect Amid ‘Rain Or Shine’ Independence Day Events

12:51 p.m.—Despite a morning full of sun, Mother Nature is threatening to upstage Donald Trump’s Independence Day festivities, with the possibility of thunderstorms raining on the Salute to America event and a flash flood warning in effect.

The show will go on “rain or shine,” said National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst over email. But the fireworks could be delayed or even canceled if there are heavy rains, thunderstorms, or high winds.

And they are a real possibility. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through 8 p.m. for the D.C. area, warning that “slow moving showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after 1 p.m. this afternoon before diminishing early this evening.” There could be more than two inches of rain in a quick period, and isolated wind gusts are also possible.

Forecast through Noon for I-95 Corridor: Clouds are dissipating, and Heat indices will rise into the mid-to-upper 90s by Noon. Thunderstorms are expected to hold off until after Noon, when at that time, they will become numerous through 6 PM with heavy downpours probable. pic.twitter.com/Xtk6vMj7kD

— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) July 4, 2019

“Visitor safety is always a top priority and we are working with our interagency and law enforcement colleagues to ensure the safety of all who attend, including in the event of inclement weather,” Litterst said.

He encouraged visitors to sign up for text notifications by texting JULY4DC to 888-777.

What We’re Watching For As July Fourth Unfolds

9:29 a.m.—It’s showtime.

President Donald Trump has long sought a military parade, and with today’s Fourth of July “Salute to America” extravaganza, he’s getting it. The event will be an homage to the nation’s military might to the National Mall. And the festivities will give Trump a prime speaking opportunity on America’s birthday. He breaks recent presidential tradition by putting himself at the center of the Independence Day festivities, and faces accusations of turning a typically nonpartisan event into a campaign rally at taxpayers’ expense.

Here’s everything we already know about the day’s events.

You’re not alone if you’re curious how all of this is going to play out. As the day unfolds and the entertainment begins, we’ll be providing live updates and coverage.

(If you’re at home and have no interest in Trump’s show, we have some suggestions for celebrating the fourth away from the National Mall. Also, here’s the lineup and stream for “A Capitol Fourth,” which is taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Oh and also, Stranger Things’ third season is now streaming—you’re welcome.)

Otherwise, here’s what we’re watching for over the course of the day:

• WILL IT RAIN?: Will rain dampen the parade (literally and figuratively)? In a maybe inadvertent metaphor, the forecasters at the National Weather Service say “things [are] definitely looking more active on Thursday.” They’re talking about a high pressure system that’s been hovering around for a few days and could bring showers—including potentially severe thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening. In addition to the possibility of impacting Trump’s festivities, rain could impact the fireworks display. Remember the great PBS scandal of 2016? The skies were so gloomy that the broadcaster had to use stock footage from previous years in the national broadcast. Meanwhile, temperatures will be in the low 90s, with the heat index making it feel more like 100 degrees, potentially leaving protesters and supporters wilting on the National Mall alike.
• WILL D.C.’S ROADS HOLD UP?: One of the first outward signs that this was really, truly happening was photos and footage of tanks rolling into Southeast D.C. But can D.C.’s streets handle the load? Officials say they will ask the federal government to reimburse the city for any damage … but, then again, we’re also still waiting on millions of dollars from Trump’s inauguration.
• IS THIS A PART OF THE CAMPAIGN?: Is President Trump going to go full Boy Scouts Jamboree or is this going to resemble his more tame remarks in Normandy, France? As one expert pointed out, if Trump becomes overtly political, his campaign could be forced to reimburse the U.S. Treasury.
• WHO WILL BE THE VIPs?: The White House says the event will include a ticketed area around the Lincoln Memorial for VIPs, including friends and family and members of the military. While the ticketing process has been opaque, the White House and the Republican National Committee have been distributing the passes.
• WILL GETTING AROUND BE A CHALLENGE?: Because of the event, Metro is extending its rush hour service to much earlier in the day. The transit system will open at 7 a.m. and close at 11:30 p.m. Parking will be free at all Metro lots and garages, and off-peak fares will be in effect all day. However, the Memorial Bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians this year. And access points are different than in years past, so there could be some complications for people trying to get to (and more likely from) the Mall.
• COULD PROTESTS TURN INTO CLASHES?: The Metropolitan Police Department says it’s prepared for protesters, and D.C. police have years of experience dealing with First Amendment activities. It doesn’t mean that there won’t be any drama or small skirmishes, though. And if not today, then it’s definitely a possibility on Saturday when far-right groups are slated to gather for a free speech rally; antifascists and other groups are preparing to counterprotest.
• WILL THE TRUMP BALLOONS STAY GROUNDED?: The National Park Service has said the giant baby Trump balloon must remain on the ground and the smaller helium balloons being sold or given out by multiple protest groups aren’t allowed on the National Mall. Will Trump even see them?
• HOW BIG ARE THE CROWDS GOING TO BE? NPS doesn’t do crowd estimates, so we probably won’t have a firm number (though Metro ridership can help). But we know what a full house looks like at events at the Lincoln Memorial. That’s where President Barack Obama held his first inauguration concert, which was packed to the gills. Politico reports that the administration and RNC are anxious that it will be a redux of the crowd size issues during Trump’s inauguration. In many ways, severe thunderstorms and scorching temperatures would a blessing for Trump, who will have Mother Nature to blame if the turnout is thin.
• UH, WHAT’S THE COST OF ALL THIS?:  We really don’t know and won’t for a while. The regular slate of events usually costs about $2 million to put on. But the additional costs for security, military maneuvers, vehicle transport, and the “A Salute for America” show itself could easily tack on millions more. The Washington Post is also reporting that $2.5 million is being diverted away from a National Park Service fund to help pay for today’s festivities.

Here’s the full schedule of official events. First up is the annual Independence Day parade, which starts at 11:45 a.m. and goes through 2 p.m. down Constitution Avenue. Doors for “Salute to America” open at 3:30 p.m., with the festivities slated for 6:30-7:30 p.m. After that is the regularly scheduled Capitol Fourth concert, starting at 8 p.m.

And if you only want to experience the fireworks show—which will last for 35 minutes this year—you can catch them starting at 9:07 p.m. (barring rain issues). Stay tuned.

Reporting contributed by Zuri Berry, Elly Yu, Dominique Maria Bonessi, Julie Chang, Yasna Khademian, and Mayowa Aina.