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White House: Trump Plans to Meet with Zelenskyy at NATO Summit this Week; Trump Celebrates America's 250th Ahead of Key NATO Summit; Fourth of July Celebrations Hit by Series of Mishaps. Aired 3-4p ET

Aired July 05, 2026 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[15:00:40]

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN HOST: Hello again, everyone. Thank you so much for joining me this Sunday. I am Fredricka Whitfield.

All right, today, new details on President Trump's high stakes trip to the NATO Summit this week. The White House just a short time ago confirmed the President plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Summit. We are also learning that as President Trump was celebrating America's big 250 this weekend, he held phone calls with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The President last night touting where he says America stands on the world stage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all of the nations of the world, all over the world.

Tonight our country is stronger, freer, richer, safer and prouder than ever before.

We may be the oldest Constitutional Republic on earth, but our country is just getting started because the best is yet to come.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: CNN's Julia Benbrook is live for us at The White House.

Julia, what more is The White House saying today?

JULIA BENBROOK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, President Donald Trump, he had that big speech last night. He is now preparing for a big trip ahead, but in those remarks, he overall struck a patriotic tone.

Looking back at the nation's founding on its 250th birthday, he did use at times, though, to highlight what he considers his biggest accomplishments so far. He even called on more action from Congress when it comes to items on his agenda.

He also touched on where he believes the United States stands on the world stage right now.

Take a listen to part of those remarks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Our rise to being the world's strongest and most powerful nation was no accident of history. We rebuilt our military in my first term. We used it a little bit in our -- or actually, I should say third term, but I won't do that because I don't want any controversy, but we use it and we've had tremendous success.

You look at Venezuela, you look at Iran, we wiped it out, wiped out their military.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BENBROOK: And as you mentioned, he will then soon travel to meet with NATO leaders in Turkey and some big topics, including the conflict in Iran, which he mentioned there, as well as the conflict in Ukraine, will no doubt loom over some of these discussions, and we are getting a closer look at his schedule for this.

His trip includes departing Monday evening. On Tuesday, he is expected to meet with the Turkish President and have dinner with NATO leaders. And then on Wednesday, he will participate in a NATO working session, meet on the sidelines of the Summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as the Syrian President and then he is expected to hold a press conference.

Now, Trump has long had a complicated relationship with NATO. He has been highly critical of defense spending in that alliance, as well throughout that process. But he has recently in recent days said that it is ridiculous for the United States to continue on what he calls a one-sided path there.

And it was just last month that the United States announced that it would, "right size" its contributions to the NATO force model, citing a need for the alliance not to overly rely on U.S. forces -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, Julia Benbrook at The White House. Thanks so much.

All right, joining me right now is Margaret Talev, senior contributor at AXIOS and Director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship at Syracuse University.

Great to see you.

MARGARET TALEV, AXIOS SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR: Thanks, Fred. You, too.

WHITFIELD: All right, so ahead of Trump's travels, NATO is no stranger to Trump airing out his frustrations before a Summit like this. How might allies be preparing for him this go round?

TALEV: I mean, Fredricka, I think the most important evidence that we have was the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte's visit to The White House not quite two weeks ago, where he really went out of his way to be finding ways to praise President Trump, give President Trump credit for Europe spending more money to beef up their own military contributions, and basically just trying to lay the groundwork for this Summit to go smoothly and for nothing to get blown up diplomatically.

[15:05:10]

There have been relatively low expectations for the summit in terms of like, what could be achieved diplomatically, a lot of tension because of the Iran War. Trump wants NATO to be more on board. NATO is like, what were you thinking?

And then everything of the last year, you know, the threats about taking over Greenland, the tariffs, all this stuff. Plus, the U.S. is -- the Trump administration's recent moves both to reduce the U.S. Military footprint in Europe, and Germany and sort of to go back and forth on what's happening in Poland, so a lot leading up to this.

But I do think that there are a few through lines we are looking for. One is, will Trump attend everything and sort of act constructively and inclusively. And number two, will the European allies, will NATO allies commit to buying more U.S. Military equipment? That seems to be quite important to the President.

And three, how is A.I. going to factor into all of this, given the Trump White House's recent moves to try to restrict who has access to it.

WHITFIELD: And then also now we understand possibly on the agenda for the President, The White House is confirming that President Trump is planning to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Turkey. He reportedly spoke with both Zelenskyy and Russia's Putin this holiday weekend.

I mean, how would you right now define Trump's role in this conflict? Any leverage leaning toward either side or where are we?

TALEV: Yes, I mean, Trump wants to end the war, the war that he was going to end on day one of the second term. So that's certainly his goal. That's what he is pushing for.

I think two things. There are some signs that Russia is still facing a lot of pressure, but on the other hand, you have the NATO allies quite nervous about fortifying their own eastern borders as it gets close to Russia. So President Trump's goal again and again just seems to be to make the war end. Can he fashion something where that is in Zelenskyy's interest and/or Putin's interest? We will see.

But, other NATO countries encouraging this meeting with Zelenskyy, it is going to happen now. So, we will all be looking closely at that.

WHITFIELD: Yes, and then there is of course, the Iran, you know, conflict with the U.S. Trump, you know, leaving the last international trip, the G7 Summit with the signing of the Iran agreement, the President touting falling gas prices. But the Iran deal is far from done. I mean, it is still very tenuous. So how does that play into the stakes for the U.S.' position on the global stage this week?

TALEV: Yes, what is happening with Iran and its impacts on the rest of the world, including NATO allies, is of great concern to everyone at this meeting. And I think as we look ahead to the days after this NATO Summit, the possibility that the likelihood now that President Trump would be meeting with Bibi Netanyahu returning to The White House, right afterwards, I think this is something also that NATO allies will be looking very closely at because, of course, Israel's own steps have some real implications for how long the ceasefire can hold and what kind of an agreement can come out of it for real.

WHITFIELD: All right, we will leave it there for now.

Margaret Talev, thank you so much.

TALEV: Thanks, Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right still to come, besides weather delays, there were a few other mishaps tied to Fourth of July celebrations, including a commercial airline pilot saying his passenger jet got hit, possibly by fireworks, details next.

Plus, a major announcement by FIFA. The decision that was keeping Team USA's top scorer out of the next World Cup match has been reversed. What will the impact be now?

And later, Kansas City Chiefs' Coach Andy Reid joining us live. He is talking about a special event to celebrate America 250, as well as what it was like being a guest at the most talked about wedding at Madison Square Garden, involving a player he has coached.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:14:02]

WHITFIELD: All right, while most of us enjoy July 4th festivities across the country, fire departments and law enforcement were very busy.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)

WHITFIELD: What is going on there? That's the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Multiple small fires set off plumes of smoke during the fireworks show there. The cause of the fire is still unclear, but it is just one of several mishaps this July 4th weekend.

CNN's Rafael Romo with us now. Happy Fourth weekend.

Boy, some people were especially busy.

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, it is so much fun celebrating the Fourth of July, especially the 250th anniversary.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

ROMO: Our coverage was amazing, but we cannot forget how dangerous it can be because these incidents remind us of how dangerous fireworks can be when mishandled or used near airports or other public infrastructure.

Delta Air Lines confirmed, Fred, to CNN in a statement that one of their flights that originated here in Atlanta was hit by a firework while landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday.

[15:15:10]

That's July the 4th. Right after the impact, the pilot on Delta Flight 1076 is heard saying to an air traffic controller. The crew heard the bang on the plane when the plane was flying at 200 feet, according to audio from atc.com. Here is part of the communication between the pilot and the control tower as the flight was landing at Chicago's Midway Airport.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CONTROL TOWER: Delta 1076. I am not sure if you'll be able to assess if there is any damage at this time, but, can you tell me if you had to, I guess any further information about the fireworks?

DELTA 1076PILOT: No, negative, but yes, about 200 feet AGL -- two to two fifty AGL. But we just heard the bang on the plane. So we will have to take a look at it once we gets to the gate.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ROMO: They always stay so calm, right? How do they do that? The air traffic controller said there had been multiple similar reports and that city officials have been notified. CNN has reached out to Chicago Police for details.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport around 8:30 P.M. local time on Saturday, July 4th, after the pilot reported that a fireworks mortar struck the aircraft just before landing, adding that the FAA will investigate the incident.

Delta said the plane landed without incident and is being inspected and this is what happened. Take a look at this, Fred, in New York during the city's Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)

ROMO: You see the fire there? Eyewitness video shows several small fires breaking out on the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night. That's as the Fourth of July fireworks display was wrapping up, the New York City Fire Department said firefighters quickly mobilized to the scene to extinguish the flames after a call came in about reported rubbish fire on the bridge around 9:40 p.m. local time.

The Fire Department also said that fires like these are not unexpected and that is why they have, they say the stand-off distance during a fireworks show. Fortunately, authorities say no one was injured. But again, it is just a reminder of how dangerous it can quickly escalate into something else.

WHITFIELD: Yes, well, thank goodness, in these cases that we know of, right, no one injured.

ROMO: Yes.

WHITFIELD: All right, Rafael Romo, great to see you. Thanks so much.

All right, still to come, a surprise decision before the next World Cup match for Team USA. FIFA says star, Folarin Balogun can play tomorrow despite his red card in the last game. A closer look at this major boost for the team, potentially.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:22:28]

WHITFIELD: All right, this breaking news. The U.S. Men's National Team has received a major boost ahead of its Round of 16 showdown with Belgium. FIFA has overturned the red card given to star striker, Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play. His return gives the U.S. one of its biggest weapons back as it looks to keep its World Cup run alive.

Joining us right now is "USA Today" soccer editor, Seth Vertelney.

All right. Seth. Oh my gosh! This is huge. I mean, why would FIFA do this? What was the motivation of changing its mind?

SETH VERTELNEY, SOCCER EDITOR, "USA TODAY": If you're looking for transparency into this decision, FIFA is not the place to look. I don't know because FIFA said in its decision that it was citing something called Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code. But when you look at that article, it just says that FIFA has the right to change its mind, to make a different decision.

And so, it is really shocking. This decision just came out of the blue, really.

WHITFIELD: Yes, I mean, it changed its mind, but it didn't -- and correct me if I am wrong, it didn't necessarily rescind the decision. It just kind of pushed it off -- pushes it off or delays it suspends it for another time?

VERTELNEY: Right. Yes, so they suspended the sentence. So essentially they said that if Balogun does something wrong within the next year, then they have the right to impose discipline on him.

But for all intents and purposes, this is just a get out of jail free card. I mean, he can play in tomorrow's game and that's all that really matters right now.

WHITFIELD: And do you think FIFA felt the pressure? I mean globally, especially in the U.S., however, you know where people were looking at the replay over and over again and saying "Huh? This looks like state of play!" This is like one of the things that potentially can happen when you're playing aggressively, as they do on the field. And so, all that second guessing, kind of offering some pressure and FIA said, wait a minute, the world is watching, maybe not such a good call.

VERTELNEY: Yes, it is hard to know, but FIFA has already adjudicated this twice, which is why this is so surprising. I mean, first of all, there was the VAR review during the game. There was no call on the field, and then the referee was summoned over to the monitor. He took a look at it and then they decided, actually, no, this is a challenge worthy of a red card.

[15:25:13]

So that was the first time, and then the second time was when FIFA's Disciplinary Committee reviewed this red card, which they do for every red card to decide if more sanctions are necessary. And they decided after reviewing this that the automatic one game ban was sufficient. And so we thought that this was the end of it, and Balogun was out. And if the U.S. beats Belgium, he would be back for the quarterfinal.

But now he is back for Belgium.

WHITFIELD: So, it is not the end of it now. It is the beginning of something more. So I mean, last hour, we actually watched some live view of Team USA training there in Seattle. I wonder, you know, what is the dynamic here? You see the players right now.

I mean what's the dynamic here potentially of changing game strategy now ahead of this game against Belgium?

VERTELNEY: Yes. You know it is interesting. Christian Pulisic, one of the team's star players was asked about that at training today and he said that it doesn't change much. Obviously, the U.S., over the past few days had been preparing for this game without Balogun in mind.

But today, ahead of training, they found out that Balogun was going to be back. So they do have todays training to kind of plan for it. But look, Balogun has started three games at this tournament. This team knows how to play with him. They are obviously very excited to have him back for this huge game. So I don't think it is going to affect anything for the U.S. in any way other than a positive way.

WHITFIELD: Well, it is going to be really exciting, even more exciting now.

Seth Vertelney, thank you so much. Great to see you.

VERTELNEY: Thanks for having me.

WHITFIELD: All right, straight ahead, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach, Andy Reid has had a very busy weekend attending a big event at Madison Square Garden on Friday and a special America 250 concert by the Tabernacle Choir today. And now guess what? He has time to join us live in just a few minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:31:56]

WHITFIELD: All right, new today, the official death toll in Venezuela from the devastating earthquakes is now standing at nearly 3,000. More than 16,000 people were also injured when two catastrophic quakes hit 11 days ago. Some of the recovery efforts are being hampered by a lack of fuel for desperately needed heavy machinery.

The aid group, World Central Kitchen, has been on the ground since the early hours after the earthquakes hit, and Javier Garcia is the group's CEO and he is there in La Guaira, one of the hardest hit areas.

So great to see you. I mean, this has been devastating on so many levels. I am wondering if you can kind of describe the conditions from your vantage point. What are they like right there?

JAVIER GARCIA, CEO, WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN: Well, thank you for having us. The organization started feeding in Venezuela within hours of the earthquake. We've been here for 10 days and the situation is families start to be desperate, trying to, you know, moving from finding survivors to finding -- just to find the loved ones.

We are feeding across all the Ground Zero, La Guaira and Caracas as well. We are cooking daily over 60,000 meals. We are feeding our communities where they are. Most cases, as you can see behind me, they are just sitting under the building, making sure that the first responders and rescuers don't leave the site. So we are feeding them where they are.

We also feeding all the camps that they are having across the affected areas. We are feeding hospitals, but the situation on the ground as days pass, as people are starting to get desperate because they are thinking about whether or not they are going to be able to find their loved ones.

WHITFIELD: I mean, that is remarkable that you're able to, you know, serve these up to 60,000 meals, as you say there and I wonder, I mean, what are people expressing when you are, you know, in their encampment areas, delivering food or when they come to you at various locations? Are they also, you know, looking to talk about their experiences while they are also getting nourishment?

GARCIA: They do. It is something, you know, I've been to many emergencies still checking how a parent looking through, you know, with their bare hands, the debris looking for their child, takes the time to thank us for the work that we do. It is who we are, why we are doing what we do.

You know, they are spending hours and just to be seen beyond the food -- we are doing food, hot food. We do sandwiches, ice coffee. It is making sure that they are seen. And so they are extremely grateful. And, you know, they are sharing their stories and they are not giving up. But you can see behind me, heavy machinery is coming in and they still have some hope. But you know, it has been 10 days. And, you know, they are extremely helpful for having them here, for us to be here. But, you know, they are starting to get hopeless whether or not they're going to find their loved ones and food is, you know, a little bit the hope that they -- we think we are bringing to them.

[15:35:02]

WHITFIELD: Yes, I mean, for years now, Javier, you and your organization, you know, have been assisting after natural disasters, you know, in the middle of conflict as well. I am wondering how you compare your response and the need here in Venezuela to some of the other places that you've been. Is this bringing new challenges to you and your organization?

GARCIA: Yes, every emergency is unique in some way. In this case, you know, there are many missing people here that the families -- we are feeding families in camps and shelters, but many families are refusing to leave the buildings. So what we are doing, we are getting to them in any way we can. We have motorcycles getting to areas that are hard to get by car.

We are walking through the debris and making sure we offer that comfort, that only food and sometimes a hug and hot coffee can bring. But the death toll of this emergency for sure has been a challenging one because, you know, families are refusing to leave and you walk through, especially La Guaira, you see building after buildings, people just sitting under an umbrella for 10 days now, and even in some cases on top of the debris, just making sure that the rescue teams who are here don't leave.

WHITFIELD: And then how about the, you know, lack of power in some cases, and certainly lack of fuel in the area. How is that impacting, you know, the aid and the care that you're usually able to provide.

GARCIA: In our case, we, you know, this is what we do. We are self- sufficient. That is not affecting us because this is what we do, but it is definitely in communities that are here, and especially because those are refusing to leave. There is no power. There is no running water. There is no services here. So that's definitely is becoming a challenge.

Search and rescues are using generators, but the others have no power. There is no running water. And for those neighbors and communities that are refusing to leave, definitely, it is a challenge.

WHITFIELD: Incredible work that you all are doing, all the best in your continued efforts. I know so many people are so grateful that you're there.

Javier Garcia, thank you so much.

GARCIA: Thank you for having us.

WHITFIELD: All right, straight ahead. The end of the dangerous heat wave is now in sight. We time out the long awaited relief for 30 million Americans still under alerts today in the U.S.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:42:10]

WHITFIELD: All right, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday all weekend long, the Latter Day Saints Tabernacle Choir teamed up today with Andy Reid, the head coach for Kansas City Chiefs.

Reid joined the Tabernacle for its music and spoken word broadcast today as guest to narrator to honor America on this historic anniversary.

And during his spoken word speech, Reid celebrated the Declaration of Independence and gave Americans a pep talk on unity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDY REID, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HEAD COACH: Our Founding Fathers knew it wouldn't be easy, but they believed that if we stayed united, we could keep moving forward, whether on the football field, in our communities or in our homes, progress at times at times can feel like an uphill climb.

But I've learned that when people come together for a common goal, when they respect and support one another, progress happens. That's what a team does. It works to get better every single day.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Wearing many hats, and we are joined right now by Andy Reid, the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Coach, great to see you.

REID: Thank you. Great to be here.

WHITFIELD: All right, so how gratifying and satisfying was that? I mean, what a beautiful way to spend the holiday weekend.

REID: It was. We loved the fireworks shows that went on yesterday and to have an opportunity to be here today was just as spectacular and probably even a little bit more. So, it was great to be with the Tabernacle Choir.

WHITFIELD: Well, tell us more about, you know, your message on how we, as Americans everywhere, no matter what your religion, you know, can overcome divisions.

REID: Sure. That's an important thing. We are the United States and that word "united" means to come together and stick together and sometimes, we only do that when things are tough, tough, and war situations as opposed to our daily lives. And the more we can do that, I think the better off we are going to be.

WHITFIELD: Right. And of course, you know, most folks are going to see you and see this conversation and think we are going to be talking football. But you don't want me talking football. You know, even though they might expect it from you.

But as someone who has built championship teams, you know, how are your leadership -- your lessons on leadership, I guess, applicable, especially as we talk about and celebrate America's Founding Fathers this weekend? Do you think our leaders, you know, can I guess, take a page out of your leadership skills as one who builds championship teams?

[15:45:10]

REID: Yes. Listen, our leaders are doing okay. I am not running for any position right now. So I am just saying that I watch kids, these kids come together and play together and I get to see this every day. All different backgrounds, all different religions and races and they come together and join hands for a good common goal and they love each other. And so if that can be carried over to the outside world, I think that's a beautiful thing.

WHITFIELD: Well, that is a beautiful thing and a beautiful weekend that you would spend with the Tabernacle Choir, you know, and speaking of pep talks, I wonder if we could shift gears because, you know, you were at one of the biggest moments this holiday weekend. One of your players, Travis Kelce, you know, tying the knot with music superstar, Taylor Swift. You were there in Madison Square Garden on Friday.

We know there were NDAs, people aren't allowed to talk and all of that good stuff, but maybe you can kind of help us understand, you know, did you perhaps give Travis a pep talk or anything like that before they tied the knot?

I mean, what was your experience like being at Madison Square Garden for an event like this?

REID: Yes, I have had a chance to see them grow together and that's most important thing, that there is a love there, a sincere love and they're obviously -- they are different people from different worlds, but they've come together to join hands and they are really special together. When they're together, they're special.

They know a ton of people and both of them have that unique ability to touch lives in a positive way.

WHITFIELD: What will you most remember about the wedding?

REID: Well, that's a good question. I would probably tell you, Adam Sandler doing a phenomenal job with the vows and/or the ceremony and, and just how he went about bringing a little bit of humor, but also some sensitivity to the -- to what was going on to, again, a lot of different types of people from a lot of different types of worlds there and bringing them all together.

WHITFIELD: Oh, yes, and you've been married for what? Forty-five years, I understand to your wife. I mean, if you were to give advice to Taylor and Travis, what kind of advice would you give them for longevity and happiness and all that good stuff?

REID: I thought Adam said it. I thought Adam said it well. He said, kiss every chance you have every day. So whether you're going to bed or going to work or you know, wherever, whenever you're -- go ahead and kiss her. And I thought that was -- I thought in a simple way, in its simplest form, it really was touching that way.

WHITFIELD: Yes. Are you as surprised as the rest of us that, I mean, we still have yet to see an official photo. I mean, what's going on? When might we see that? Are they honeymooning right now? I mean, is he going to make it in time for, you know, the end of the month training? What do you know? What can you share with us/

REID: Yes, so I don't ask a lot of questions. I just know he will be there for the start of training camp and I know he will be in great shape and ready to go. So I know how he goes about his business. Nobody loves to play more than he does. And he will be revved up and be Travis Kelce.

WHITFIELD: All right and what do you look forward to this upcoming season? I mean, I guess we can talk football in that sense.

REID: Yes, yes, so every year is different in the National Football League and that's the beauty of it. Every team is given an opportunity to be successful. And so -- and everybody is undefeated today. And so you get down and you work your tail off during training camp and you build a foundation and then you go out and you let it fly.

And you do that for 17 weeks and see where you're at and then at the end of it, maybe the best team be there.

WHITFIELD: All right, many thanks to you, Kansas City Chiefs Coach, Andy Reid. Thanks for being a good sport, covering all grounds here.

REID: I appreciate you. Thank you.

WHITFIELD: All right, thank you.

Straight ahead, thunderstorms causing big delays for the huge celebrations last night. And now a new round of storms could cause delays for the millions traveling this holiday weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:54:37]

WHITFIELD: All right, welcome back.

More than 90 million people are under the threat from severe storms. July 4th fireworks shows in several cities were pushed back due to bad weather and lightning strikes were even spotted during the Washington, D.C. fireworks display.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s, with heat advisories still in effect across much of the East Coast, but some relief may finally be on the way. CNN meteorologist, Allison Chinchar explains how much longer this heat will stick around.

[15:55:04]

ALLISON CHINCHAR, CNN METEOROLOGIST: More than 30 million people still under heat alerts in the Eastern U.S., but we are finally going to start to get a reprieve from the heat, albeit brief.

And it has already begun across areas of the Midwest. Chicago's high today, only 75 degrees, their normal for perspective is about 84. Now they will get right back to that by Tuesday and Wednesday of the upcoming week.

For places like D.C., New York, it is a little bit more of a delayed effect. We still have one more day of that warm air, 95, the high today expected in D.C., but back down to 88 and then 84 by Tuesday, which is actually below normal for a change.

But the heat is still helping to fuel a lot of showers and thunderstorms. We've already had them ongoing throughout the morning and in the early afternoon. Now, we will continue to see them through the evening.

Here you can see about eight, nine o'clock this evening, scattered showers across portions of Texas, Oklahoma stretching over through the Southeast, up into the mid-Atlantic and even areas of the Northeast. Although the bulk of the Northeast rain showers will actually be through the evening and overnight timeline still lingering there, notice about five, six, seven o'clock on Monday morning.

Washington, D.C., we talked about it, 95 for today, dipping back down to the low 80s once we get to Tuesday and Wednesday, but then back up to the 90s once again on Friday. So again, it is going to be short lived where we see that rebound.

We've also got heat alerts in place out to the Desert Southwest because of the anticipated rise in temperatures over the next few days. Not too bad today in Las Vegas, pretty much right on target 104. That's their average high. But we are back up to around 110 to 111 as we approach the end of the week and even into the weekend.

Same thing for areas of Phoenix and Tucson and portions of the desert in California. Also looking at the chance for those temperatures to jump about five to 10 degrees above average.

WHITFIELD: All right, Allison Chinchar, thanks so much.

All right, higher than normal temperatures have also gripped much of France. But now Parisians are able to get a break from sweltering heat by taking a dip into the Seine River. It is now open to the public for a second year in a row, even though swimming was off limits for decades because of pollution. CNN's Melissa Bell takes the plunge to explain how the river was transformed from hazardous to hot spot.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Forget climbing the Eiffel Tower. The cool new thing to do in Paris is to swim beneath it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's very quiet. Yes, very nice, and you can see some very little fish in the water, yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We swim in Copenhagen, where we come from as well. So, we don't really mind, actually.

BELL (voice over): Others are still a little hesitant.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have not, like, entered the water, but I think the idea of, like, lounging by the Seine is really cool.

BELL (voice over): It's hard to imagine that the Seine River was once a toxic mess, home to half of Paris' untreated wastewater. In fact, for a hundred years, swimming in it was strictly prohibited. Now, for the first time, for the second year in a row, public swimming areas will be open till the end of August.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: First, I would like to guarantee them that the quality of the water is very good. Secondly, it's an amazing occasion to discover Paris in a different way.

BELL (voice over): A swimmable Seine was one of the pledges of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 1.4 billion euros were spent getting the river clean enough for the athletes to compete in it, but the idea was always to give ordinary Parisians their river back, too.

BELL (on camera): A few years ago, the idea of swimming in the Seine River would have seemed crazy, but then again, this is a city in which it is often said that the only sane thing is the river.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Thank you, Melissa Bell, for taking the plunge.

END

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN HOST: Hello again, everyone. Thank you so much for joining me this Sunday. I am Fredricka Whitfield.

All right, we are learning new details as President Trump prepares to meet with NATO Allies this week, hot off the heels of his night celebrating America.

The President late last night delivering a July 4th speech with a clear message on his vision of America. The remarks happening as the President leaves tomorrow for Turkey and takes the world stage with tensions simmering over Iran and Ukraine.

CNN's Julia Benbrook is leading us off today. Julia from The White House there, a big speech ahead of a big trip. What more can you share?

JULIA BENBROOK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right and starting with the speech that took place yesterday, there were questions leading up to that when that might actually happen. There were evacuations on the National Mall due to weather and delays, but Trump took to social media and he said that this was going to happen no matter what, that he could take the stage at 2:00 in the morning, if that's what it took to properly mark the 250th anniversary.

Now, he took the stage a little bit earlier than that. It was a little bit after 11:00 P.M., and he spoke for about 40 minutes. That speech, for the most part, was patriotic. He spoke about the nation's founding, and at times he leaned in to highlight what he considers his biggest accomplishment so far and called on Congress to do more to enact his agenda.

He also touched on where he believes the United States stands on the world stage. Take a listen.

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