President Donald Trump opened the Great American State Fair on Wednesday evening with a patriotic speech on the National Mall, using the launch of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations to promote what he described as a national comeback under his leadership.
The event in Washington, D.C., featured military flyovers, patriotic music, remarks from administration officials and a crowd gathered for the opening ceremony of the fair. Trump walked out as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a song long associated with his political rallies, before delivering remarks centered on American strength, national pride and the country’s founding.
“America is back,” Trump told the crowd, saying the United States was again respected around the world and no longer being laughed at. He framed the upcoming 250th anniversary as both a celebration of the nation’s past and the beginning of what he called a new “golden age of America.”
The Great American State Fair is part of a wider series of events tied to the country’s semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The fair is expected to showcase all 50 states and six U.S. territories, with exhibits, music, military displays, technology demonstrations, a FIFA fan zone and other public attractions.
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Trump used the speech to draw a direct connection between the American Revolution and his political movement. He said that, like the patriots of 1776, Americans had “taken power back” from what he called a distant political class. He argued that his administration had restored prosperity, reclaimed sovereignty and returned the country to an “America First” path.
The president also highlighted several projects connected to Washington, D.C., and the anniversary celebrations. He said his administration had worked to remove homeless encampments and graffiti, repair monuments and clean statues across the capital. He pointed to Union Station, Meridian Hill Park, Lafayette Square and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as examples of sites receiving attention.
Trump also previewed future projects, including a planned White House ballroom, a “triumphal arc” near Arlington Cemetery, a National Garden of American Heroes in West Potomac Park and a “Spirit of ’76” exhibition at Freedom Plaza honoring figures from the Revolutionary era.
The ceremony included flyovers by military aircraft, including B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets. Trump praised the Air Force during the event, presenting the flyovers as a symbol of American military strength and national pride.
Supporters at the event viewed the speech as a patriotic kickoff to a historic national milestone. For them, the imagery of flags, military aircraft and Revolutionary-era references reflected a message of renewal and confidence at a moment when the country is preparing to mark 250 years of independence.
Critics, however, are likely to view the event differently. Trump’s speech mixed official anniversary themes with familiar campaign-style language, including criticism of political opponents and repeated references to his governing agenda. That overlap could renew debate over whether America’s 250th anniversary celebrations should remain nonpartisan civic events or become closely tied to the president’s political brand.
The issue matters because the National Mall is not only a political stage. It is one of the country’s most symbolic public spaces, surrounded by monuments, museums and memorials that represent different chapters of American history. Events held there carry civic meaning beyond any one administration.
For ordinary Americans, the anniversary celebrations also raise practical questions about public spending, security, tourism and how national history is presented. Large-scale events on the National Mall require coordination between federal agencies, local officials, law enforcement and public institutions. They can bring visitors and attention to Washington, but they also spark debate over cost, messaging and access to public space.
Trump said the fair will continue through July 10 and previewed a major Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall, including what he described as an enormous fireworks display. He also pointed to additional anniversary events such as the Patriot Games, a student competition, and a Freedom 250 Grand Prix race planned around the Capitol and Pennsylvania Avenue.
The president closed his remarks by invoking the Founding Fathers, the Revolutionary War, westward expansion, railroads, skyscrapers, world wars and the space race. He said America’s history and destiny were tied to greatness and described the anniversary as a moment for citizens to look forward with ambition.
“Happy birthday, America,” Trump said.
Why It Matters
America’s 250th anniversary is a rare national milestone, and the way it is celebrated will shape how the country presents its history, identity and future. Trump’s kickoff speech shows that the anniversary is likely to be both patriotic and politically charged.
The event also matters because it uses one of the nation’s most important public spaces. Celebrations on the National Mall involve taxpayer resources, security planning and public trust, making transparency and nonpartisan access important for voters and visitors.
What Comes Next
The Great American State Fair is expected to continue through July 10, with exhibits, performances and anniversary-themed events representing states and U.S. territories. Trump is also expected to return for additional Fourth of July programming tied to America’s 250th celebration.
The coming weeks will show whether the anniversary events remain broad civic celebrations or continue to take on a rally-style tone connected to Trump’s political message.
A video from the National Mall showed B-2 and F-35 aircraft flying over the kickoff event for the Great American State Fair.
B-2 and F-35 playmates flyover National Mall to kickoff The Great American State Fair pic.twitter.com/auenbPKdGc
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) June 25, 2026
