President Donald Trump made remarks about a war veteran's age during his Fourth of July address.
"On D-Day in World War II, Navy Lt. Arthur Rose commanded 36 landing craft as part of the largest naval armada in history. Recalling that sight, he wrote home to his parents, 'What a country we are!'" Trump said.
"At 107 years old, Lt. Rose is here to salute one of our nation's most prized possessions - the flag that flew above the first landing craft on D-Day and led the first Americans onto the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi fascism forever. Lt. Rose, you are an inspiration to this beautiful crowd, and we thank you very much - an amazing man. 107! He's 107," the president continued.
"Think of it, 107 - that's up there, but hopefully he's got 20 good years left," said the president jokingly.
Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) were swift to respond to Trump's comments.
"And his selfish ass made that 107 year old hero come out in inclement weather at 1130pm at night to be used as a prop at Trump's rally," wrote one user.
"What a way to remind someone of their mortality?" wrote another.
The president also emphasised "American strength and power" in an address at the National Mall in Washington, D. C., following severe storms which disrupted his Fourth of July celebrations.
"We are also reasserting the truth that American strength and power is not something to be ashamed of. It is something that we are very, very proud of," Trump said. "This country has been the greatest force for peace and justice on earth in the last century. We defeated tyrants, demolished evil and saved freedom again and again and again."
Thousands endured sweltering temperatures in the nation's capital to participate in the celebrations.
Attendees were compelled to evacuate and take refuge in neighbouring buildings owing to extreme weather conditions, with chaotic scenes as masses were photographed queuing at security checkpoints to re-enter the vicinity.
Trump asserted that more than 375,000 individuals turned up at the America 250 event prior to his speech, noting that 150,000 remained despite the postponement.
"They estimated they had 375,000 people before everybody had to leave, and they now have 150,000 people. It's the craziest thing anyone's ever seen," Trump said.
"There is no way we could be deterred," the president said, referring to his address. Initially scheduled to speak at 9:45 p.m. , he was postponed by over an hour owing to the weather.
Prior to the event, an official indicated the president would deliver a "historical speech" to commemorate America's semiquincentennial.
