Key facts
- President Donald Trump officially opened the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
- The event is a 16-day exposition organized by Freedom 250 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
- Trump delivered a speech focusing on national pride and his administration's accomplishments.
- Several musicians canceled their planned performances, citing concerns about the event's political alignment.
- The fair includes pavilions from all 50 states and six territories, a Ferris wheel, and traditional games.
President Donald Trump officially launched the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, framing the event as a celebration of America's resurgence and his own achievements. The 16-day exposition, organized by Freedom 250, aims to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Trump delivered a speech that was notably shorter than his typical addresses, sticking closely to his prepared remarks. He declared, "Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back." He contrasted the current state of the nation with a past he described as "dead," asserting that the U.S. is now "the hottest country anywhere in the world" and is respected globally.
The kickoff event followed controversy when several musical artists, including Young MC and Martina McBride, withdrew from performing, citing concerns about the event's political nature. Trump embraced this development, positioning himself as the headliner. The fair itself features pavilions representing all 50 states and six U.S. territories, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, and various attractions.
Opening remarks from administration officials like Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Monica Crowley, the former chief of protocol, were highly partisan, praising Trump as the greatest president since George Washington. Trump's speech touched on familiar themes, including a brief mention of a policy banning "transgender mutilation of children," and he claimed a recent memorandum of understanding with Iran would end the U.S. war and prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, despite ongoing negotiations.
The event included military flyovers and performances by military bands, with the U.S. Marine Band accompanying singer Alexis Wilkins and the U.S. Army Band Downrange performing "Gloria." Country singer Lee Greenwood introduced Trump by performing "God Bless the USA."