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Trump Delivers Address at Great American State Fair, Marking Start of US 250th Anniversary Celebrations

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Trump Marks Opening of Great American State Fair in Washington

"Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back."

President Donald Trump delivered a speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to mark the opening of the Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition organized by the public-private partnership Freedom 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event, which included military flyovers and musical performances, took place amid planning controversies and declining presidential approval ratings.

Event Details

The speech lasted approximately 30 minutes and utilized a teleprompter. The stage featured bulletproof glass and Freedom 250 signage. Pregame events included fighter jet flyovers and performances by military bands. The event concluded with the audience chanting "Make America great again" and Trump dancing to "YMCA."

The crowd was estimated at over 1,000 people, with roughly half wearing Trump-related attire. Cabinet members and House Speaker Mike Johnson attended; Democratic officials were not present.

Remarks by President Trump

During his address, Trump made several notable statements:

  • National status: He added that the country was "dead" a short time ago but is now "the hottest country anywhere in the world."
  • Iran: Mentioned a memorandum of understanding to end the U.S. war in Iran, declaring, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. "
  • Cultural issues: Stated, "We banned the transgender mutilation of children, and we made it the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders — male and female. We got men out of women's sports."
  • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Made unsupported claims of vandalism, saying it was "gruesomely vandalized by thugs" and that it would be restored.
  • Historical references: Claimed the Declaration of Independence states that "we are all made in the image of one almighty god," whereas the document states people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." He also referred to the Civil War as "a very big, big deal at the time."
  • Infrastructure improvements: Highlighted removal of homeless encampments, graffiti, and repair of monuments and statues.
  • Upcoming projects: Previewed anniversary projects including a White House ballroom, a triumphal arc near Arlington Cemetery, and the National Garden of American Heroes.

"We banned the transgender mutilation of children, and we made it the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders — male and female."

Performers and Attendance

The U.S. Marine Band and tenor Christopher Macchio performed. Lee Greenwood performed "God Bless the USA." Several musical artists, including rapper Young MC and country singer Martina McBride, withdrew from the event citing concerns about its political nature. Country singer Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, also performed. Trump subsequently became the headlining act.

Planning and Background

The Great American State Fair was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership created by the Trump administration. The fair runs through July 10, featuring exhibits from all 50 states and six territories, military demonstrations, a FIFA fan zone, and a rodeo.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy referred to the military bands as "way better than those libtards that canceled on us." Monica Crowley, chief of protocol, said, "This movement uniting our country to commemorate its 250th birthday has no greater champion than President Donald J. Trump."

Political Context

Trump's approval rating stands at 37% according to recent AP-NORC polling. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 38% of respondents do not believe the US will exist as a single country 250 years from now. Nearly two-thirds of Americans agree that democracy is in danger of failing.

Professor Daniel Treisman of UCLA noted that Trump's priorities differ from those of most Americans. Harvard professor James Snyder stated that while past rallies boosted short-term turnout, this rally is unlikely to affect the 2026 midterm elections.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans agree that democracy is in danger of failing.

Comparison with 1976 Bicentennial

The 1976 bicentennial included a parade of tall ships from around the world, the opening of the National Air and Space Museum, and celebrations under President Gerald Ford. Historians note Ford did not make the events self-centered.

In 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant opened a Centennial Exposition for the 100th anniversary. In 1971, President Richard Nixon inaugurated a five-year "Bicentennial Era" ahead of the 1976 anniversary.

Additional Anniversary Events

The Trump administration has organized "Freedom 250" events, including a "Salute to America" celebration on July 4 and a planned IndyCar race (Freedom 250 Grand Prix) in August. A separate bipartisan commission, America250, is hosting events such as a time capsule, an essay contest, and a July 4 concert featuring Queen Latifah, Chris Stapleton, and the Smashing Pumpkins. On June 14, the White House hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on the South Lawn.

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, renovated at a cost of $14.7 million, experienced an algae bloom shortly after completion.

Sources of Tension

Historians and scholars expressed concerns about the tone of the anniversary. Eddie Glaude (Princeton University) said there is "a sense of dread." Jill Lepore (Harvard University) said the country should be able to celebrate the nation's birthday without it being seen as an endorsement of the president. David Blight (Yale University) compared the president's projects to those of Mussolini.

Historian Timothy Naftali said Trump "generally has contempt for norms" and rarely mentions "the great sweep of history." Historian Marc Stein said Trump's version of history is "closer to propaganda, and it's closer to cheerleading." Naftali stated that whatever filters existed in Trump's first term "are gone" and the president is "undiluted Donald Trump."

Historian Timothy Naftali stated that whatever filters existed in Trump's first term "are gone" and the president is "undiluted Donald Trump."

The Trump administration signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" aiming to counter "revisionist movement." The Smithsonian Institution and National Park Service have been affected by this order, which directed the removal of "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from displays.

A "Rededicate 250" faith event on the National Mall featured an evangelical Christian message, with no participation from historic Black denominations.