Trump Kicks Off Great American State Fair on National Mall
President Donald Trump delivered a speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening to kick off the Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership created by the Trump administration. The event marks the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence.
"A short time ago we were a dead country. We are not a joke any more."
— President Donald Trump
Event Details
The fair began on June 25, 2026, and is scheduled to run through July 10, 2026. The opening ceremony featured a military flyover, performances by the U.S. Marine Band, singer Lee Greenwood, and tenor Christopher Macchio.
The crowd was estimated at over 1,000 people, with roughly half wearing Trump-related attire. Attendees included Cabinet members and House Speaker Mike Johnson; no Democratic officials were present.
Trump spoke for approximately 30 minutes using a teleprompter. The stage included bulletproof glass and Freedom 250 signage. The event concluded with the audience chanting "Make America great again" and Trump dancing to "YMCA." Merchandise sold at the event included red "America Is Back" baseball caps.
Remarks by President Trump
Trump stated that "America is back" and that the country was "dead" a short time ago but is now "the hottest country anywhere in the world." He described the United States as "superior to any nation that's ever been built" and said the country is "carrying forward the light of western civilisation."
Trump discussed a range of topics, including a memorandum of understanding to end the U.S. war in Iran, declaring that "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." He also commented on cultural issues, stating that the government has banned "the transgender mutilation of children" and made it official policy "that there are only two genders — male and female" and that men have been removed from women's sports.
Regarding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Trump made unsupported claims of vandalism, saying it was "gruesomely vandalized by thugs" and that it would be restored. He also previewed anniversary projects including a new White House ballroom, a triumphal arc near Arlington Cemetery, and the National Garden of American Heroes. He criticized unnamed previous administrations, stating, "A short time ago we were a dead country" and "We are not a joke any more."
Event Planning and Controversy
The Great American State Fair was originally scheduled to feature concerts by several musical artists. Rapper Young MC and country singer Martina McBride withdrew from the event citing concerns about its political nature. Trump subsequently announced that he would be the headliner, referring to himself as the "Number One Attraction."
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."
Other Anniversary Events
The Trump administration has integrated several events into the 250th anniversary celebrations:
- A UFC bout is scheduled to be held at the White House on June 14, 2026, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday.
- Trump created and leads a federal World Cup task force and received a FIFA Peace Prize.
- The State Department is issuing passports with Trump's picture, and officials have designed a new $250 bill with his likeness.
- The Trump Organization has applied to trademark "Trump 250" logos and merchandise.
- The U.S. Mint is producing a 24-karat gold commemorative coin with Trump's face.
The Trump administration established Freedom 250, a separate public-private partnership to fund and prepare anniversary events. Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" aiming to counter "revisionist movement." America250, a national organization charged with planning commemorative events, drafted a memo in 2024 asking the incoming president to mobilize federal agencies. Chair Rosie Rios said the group has had a supportive relationship with the Trump administration.
Political Context
According to recent AP-NORC polling, Trump's approval rating stands at 37 percent, with 33 percent of U.S. adults approving of his economic leadership. The event occurred amid an ongoing trade war with Iran that has contributed to rising consumer prices.
Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) criticized the event as a vanity project. Professor Daniel Treisman of UCLA noted that Trump's priorities differ from those of most Americans, contributing to low approval. Harvard professor James Snyder stated that while past rallies boosted short-term turnout, this rally is unlikely to affect the 2026 midterm elections.
Attendee Perspectives
Edward X. Young of Brick, New Jersey, identified as a Trump supporter and stated he had attended many Trump rallies.
Shannon Silveri, a Washington-area resident, described the event as a "nonpartisan" celebration.
Mary Smith of North Ridgeville, Ohio, said her presence was motivated by the bicentennial memory and not primarily by Trump.