U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
At least one political analyst left President Donald Trump's July 4 celebration feeling a little let down.
Trump had spent months ginning up a story that his July 4 bash would be the biggest in American history. However, the event was marred by extreme heat, long lines, and a weather delay, which caused many people to leave the National Mall before Trump took the stage. Washington, D.C., was so hazy the morning after the fireworks that some people reported feeling a burning sensation in their lungs when they went outside.
Sam Stein, managing editor of The Bulwark, attended the festivities and shared his thoughts on a new episode of the "Bulwark Takes" podcast with guest Bill Kristol, the publication's editor-at-large.
"This whole thing was really sad, honestly," Stein said.
"Everything on the mall seemed cheap, honestly, except for the fireworks," he added. "But, just poorly done, cheap, slapped together, like in some cases literally falling apart."
Stein mentioned a video that surfaced last week of performers who were nearly struck by a falling piece of the stage during rehearsal.
"I'm sad because it could have been something genuinely heartfelt for the 250th, and it turned out to be anything but that," Stein said.