Stage for Trump’s Freedom 250 event falls apart during rehearsal and narrowly misses dancer

Footage shared on social media shows a group of dancers rehearsing on stage before stopping abruptly when part of the overhead structure appears to break away and crash down.

According to posts shared online, no injuries were reported and the performers were able to move clear of the falling piece.

The incident comes amid wider criticism of the multi-day event, with complaints over delays, organisation and low attendance.

The fair, formally known as the Great American State Fair, is being held on the National Mall as part of Freedom 250, a task force created by the Trump administration to oversee celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

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Critics have accused the administration of turning the anniversary into a partisan event, while the programme has also faced disruption.

Several acts, including Martina McBride and The Commodores, reportedly pulled out after saying they had not been told about the event’s political tone.

A number of states led by Democratic governors also declined to take part in the state pavilion section, citing the cost and what they described as the partisan nature of the event.

Since opening on June 24, visitors have described a heavily restricted National Mall with half-finished plywood structures, long security queues and large empty areas.

Criticism has focused on the limited number of attractions, with reports describing a site centred around a 110-foot Ferris wheel and a reduced-scale triumphal arch replica despite significant federal spending.

CNN reported that Trump became “livid” and “enraged” after being shown aerial photographs suggesting sparse attendance at the opening event.

The broadcaster said White House staff then removed the aerial images from social media, while Trump later wrote on Truth Social that the fair was “packed to the brim” with “at least 45,000 people.”

Reports have suggested officials are now concerned that empty areas could overshadow Trump’s main 4 July address, which is expected to feature flyovers, fireworks and military bands.

To try to avoid that, organisers are said to be planning to issue tickets for the viewing area directly in front of the stage to ensure it appears full on camera.

But officials are also said to be worried that high temperatures could affect turnout, with forecasts in Washington DC on Saturday approaching 100F (38C) and a chance of thunderstorms.

Organisers have not yet issued a statement explaining what caused the structure to fall or whether the stage will now undergo further safety checks before the Independence Day event.

LBC has contacted the White House for comment.