‘America is back’: Trump opens Great American State Fair with patriotic National Mall speech

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump opened the Great American State Fair on Wednesday, June 24, with a speech on the National Mall, launching celebrations ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The event featured military flyovers, patriotic performances, and remarks from Trump, who highlighted his administration’s record and described what he called a new era for the country. Trump told the crowd that his administration had restored American strength, comparing his political movement to the country’s founding generation.

Trump invokes 1776 patriots, says America has 'taken power back'

Trump began the ceremony by drawing a comparison between the nation’s founders and his administration’s efforts over the past 17 months. 

“Just like those patriots of 1776, over the past 17 months, we have taken power back from the far-off political class,” Trump said. “They’re trying to gain it back, but it’s not going to happen. We have reclaimed our sovereignty, regained our liberty, restored our prosperity, and we have saved our country in all things. We are once again putting a thing called America first.”

The president arrived as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA,” and the opening ceremony included military aircraft flyovers, including B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets. Trump praised the display while addressing the crowd. “You get just a little, little tiny glimpse of it tonight,” Trump said after the flyovers. 

Trump later described the country’s standing internationally, saying, “America is back.” He said, “We’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”

The president also framed the anniversary celebrations as a chance to reflect on the nation’s history while looking toward future goals. “This anniversary is a time to be proud of our past,” Trump said. “But it is also a time to lift our sights, expand our ambitions, and raise our expectations of what America can be.”

Trump previews 250th anniversary events, highlights Washington projects

During the speech, Trump outlined several projects and events planned as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. He said the Great American State Fair would showcase all 50 states and six US territories, featuring military demonstrations, patriotic music, technology displays, a FIFA fan zone, and an “old-fashioned rodeo.”

Trump also announced plans for additional anniversary events, including the Patriot Games, a competition featuring top high school athletes, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix race around the Capitol and along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The president highlighted improvements made in Washington, including repairs to monuments and public spaces. He said more than 50 monuments and memorials had been repaired or beautified since he returned to office, pointing to areas including Union Station, Meridian Hill Park, Lafayette Square, and the Reflecting Pool.

Closing his remarks, Trump referenced key moments in American history, including the Revolutionary War, the expansion of the country, industrial development, two world wars, and the space race. “This is our heritage. This is our history... most incredible country ever to grace the earth,” Trump said. “Happy birthday, America.”