President Donald Trump kicked off the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Wednesday night with a sweeping speech celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary while reprising many of the central themes of his presidency.
Speaking 10 days before the Fourth of July, Trump used the commencement event to praise the country’s founding ideals, highlight his administration’s accomplishments, and preview a slate of patriotic events celebrating the nation’s birthday.
“We will mark 250 years of glorious American freedom,” Trump told the crowd. “As America turns 250 years old, young by comparison to some, but superior to any nation that’s ever been built … this anniversary is a time to be proud of our past, but it is also a time to lift our sights, expand our ambitions, and raise our expectations of what America can be.”
Trump said the United States regained its standing on the world stage, declaring “America is back” and saying the nation was “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
The president devoted part of his remarks to changes in Washington, D.C., saying the nation’s capital had been restored after years of decline. He cited several cosmetic touches he pushed across the nation’s capital, including ones in celebration of the nation’s founding, such as renovating the Reflecting Pool, cleaning the fountains and parks around Washington, D.C., building a new ballroom, and planning a triumphant arch for a roadway into the district.
“We are likewise building new monuments to American greatness to serve every future president and first lady,” the president said, comparing his plans to those of past presidents celebrating milestones. “And just across the bridge, in front of Arlington Cemetery, we’re building … a totally magnificent triumphal arc to honor the 250-year triumph of the American spirit.”
On policy, Trump credited his administration with attracting trillions of dollars in private investment, lowering energy prices, and restoring what he called American strength abroad.
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The president also pointed to last week’s ceasefire agreement with Iran as one of his administration’s signature achievements, saying it would permanently prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and help stabilize the Middle East. He also promoted his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which ended tax on tips, comparing it to the Founding Fathers’ fight to end tax on tea.
Trump used the speech to preview several America 250 events planned over the coming weeks and months, including an Independence Day celebration on the National Mall featuring what he said would be the largest fireworks display in U.S. history, the unveiling of the Spirit of ’76 exhibition at Freedom Plaza, the National Garden of American Heroes, and a Freedom 250 Grand Prix through downtown Washington.
