Trump launches 250th-anniversary celebrations with campaign-style rally on National Mall
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President Donald Trump opened the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, framing the Independence Day festivities as a political rally and highlighting his administration’s claimed achievements.
President Donald Trump addressed the opening ceremony of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, describing the event as a celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary while promoting his policy agenda. He said he was "thrilled to declare that America is back," adding that the country had moved from being "dead" to "the hottest country anywhere in the world" and was now respected globally.
Trump listed several initiatives he said represented victories, including a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, stricter immigration enforcement, and a recent tax bill. He referenced the historical "no tax on tea" slogan, claiming the new legislation surpassed it.
The president also highlighted a $14.1 million project to recolor the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool "American flag blue" for the anniversary, noting that the pool had experienced an algae bloom and a deteriorating polyurethane liner. He reiterated an unsubstantiated claim that the pool’s damage was caused by "thugs, bad people."
The ceremony featured performances by opera singer Christopher Macchio and country musician Lee Greenwood, while several originally announced acts withdrew, citing concerns about the event’s political tone. Alexis Wilkins, identified as the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, sang the national anthem and said she accepted the invitation independently.
Organizers have described the broader series of events as nonpartisan, but many have taken on a political character, including "Make America Healthy Again" Mondays and a planned Independence Day rally hosted by Trump. Additional activities scheduled for the anniversary include a UFC fight on the Mall and the "Patriot Games" competition for high-school students, with $125,000 in scholarships offered to the winners.
