The White House is reportedly worried about attendance at Donald Trump’s July 4th rally on the National Mall.

The Trump-backed ‘Freedom 250‘ event has been going downhill since his supporters were seen fleeing his speech to kick off celebrations last week.

Attendance at the subsequent Great American State Fair has become a political flashpoint. Since the event opened last week, critics have pointed to photos and videos showing sparse crowds. But Trump and his allies have insisted turnout has been strong, with the president claiming as many as 45,000 people attended the kickoff rally on Wednesday night.

But according to a CNN report, the small crowd at his speech infuriated Trump behind closed doors and is raising concerns in the White House that his upcoming July 4th rally, billed as the “most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen,” will not live up to the hype.

Tightened security measures, triple-digit heat, and a schedule set to run well into Saturday night are already causing some White House officials to brace for a lackluster turnout.

“I do not understand why we are doing this so late,” one White House official told the network, noting there were still ongoing efforts to fix the timing. “I’m really not sure who thought this was a good idea.”

To save Trump from embarrassment, organizers at the upcoming rally have implemented a ticketing system to ensure that the viewing section directly in front of the stage is filled. However, a source noted that the tickets are free and that several people might sign up for a ticket to secure their spot, then don’t show up.

Asked for comment, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the Trump-backed Freedom 250 events “feature a renewal of patriotism and national pride under this President’s leadership.”

“President Trump is ensuring that America gets the spectacular 250th birthday it deserves — and Freedom 250 will execute on the president’s historic vision,” Ingle added.