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Metro

Trump’s July 4 Blowout Will Lock Down the National Mall

Everything you need to know about road closures and security procedures on Independence Day in the District.

Fourth of July DC

For past Fourth of July events, attendees generally did not have to go through airport-like security checks to watch from the National Mall. (Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via AP)

By Jenna Monnin and Derek Hawkins

June 22, 2026 08:57 p.m.

The District of Columbia’s July 4 celebration will look a little different this year, with metal detectors and photo IDs required for entry and a widespread shutdown of the National Mall.

These changes, first reported by NOTUS, are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s massive security overhaul of the event, which will feature what President Donald Trump has promised will be the “largest fireworks show in history.”

In May, DHS designated the July 4 celebration as a National Special Security Event, or NSSE, a first-ever distinction for an event the White House expects to draw in “more than a million people” to celebrate the nation’s 250 anniversary.