Trump kicks off America's 250th celebration with campaign-style rally

Donald Trump kicked off the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington DC on Sunday, transforming what was intended as a bipartisan celebration of America's 250th year of independence into a campaign-style rally. Trump declared that America is back, claiming that before his presidency the country was "dead" but now it's the "hottest country anywhere in the world" and respected by everyone.

The president rattled off a list of what he described as victories, including a preliminary deal to end the conflict with Iran, a crackdown on immigration, and a tax bill. He referenced the American Revolution's slogan "no tax on tea" and touted his "Great Big Beautiful Bill" as an even better achievement.

Trump also boasted about his projects to beautify Washington ahead of the anniversary, particularly the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which he ordered to be painted "American flag blue". The renovation cost $14.1 million and faced setbacks such as algae bloom and peeling polyurethane liner. Without providing evidence, Trump claimed the peeling was caused by vandals, calling them "thugs, bad people."

Popular musical acts including the Commodores, Martina McBride, and Young MC had been announced as headliners but backed out due to the event's political undertone. Several states also opted out of participating in the state fair. Instead, the opening ceremony featured opera singer Christopher Macchio and country musician Lee Greenwood, known for his 1984 anthem "God Bless the USA" that has become a staple at MAGA rallies. Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, sang the national anthem and dismissed online speculation of nepotism, stating she was invited on her own accord.

Trump has framed America's 250th birthday as an inflection point, calling for a recommitment to patriotism and faith. Although the events were initially promoted as nonpartisan, they have turned into MAGA-themed occasions, including "Make America Healthy Again Mondays" and an Independence Day celebration featuring a Trump rally. The National Mall also hosted a UFC fight for the anniversary, drawing ethics concerns over a for-profit company using public space. Freedom 250 will also stage the Patriot Games, where high school students compete in physical and mental challenges for $125,000 scholarships to a male and female champion.

The Trump administration faces criticism for promoting "revisionist" history. Early in his second term, Trump signed an executive order to purge public monuments of "ideological indoctrination," leading to the removal of materials referencing slavery, Indigenous people, and the climate crisis. A judge recently ordered the administration to reinstate them.