WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump officially launched the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations Wednesday evening, hosting a large-scale rally on Washington’s National Mall designed to stoke national pride and excitement.
The event featured thunderous flyovers by stealth bombers, performances by military bands, and country singer Lee Greenwood delivering his signature anthem “God Bless the USA.”
Speaking to the crowd, Trump declared, “There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger and better and stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.”
He told attendees he had restored the nation’s standing on the world stage, saying, “Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”
True to form, Trump touched on familiar themes from his rally speeches — including his administration’s crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border and his stance against transgender rights. However, in what appeared to be a nod to the celebratory occasion, he was noticeably less combative toward Democrats than he typically is at such events.
“The American Dream is alive again. It’s something that nobody thought they’d be saying when you went through that last four years of incompetence,” Trump told the crowd.
The president also brought up plans to renovate the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial and construct a ballroom at the White House.
Trump wrapped up his remarks in under 30 minutes, but not before letting the crowd know he plans to speak at another Washington rally on July Fourth. “Your favorite president will be speaking so please show up,” he urged.
The crowd was positioned within a designated section of the National Mall, and from the stage Trump could likely see a massive neon-lit Ferris wheel that had been set up in front of the Capitol building.
The rally comes at a politically significant moment, as midterm elections begin to draw closer. Trump is working to reassure Americans that the unpopular Iran war is winding down, with oil prices declining as the Strait of Hormuz has begun to reopen following an interim agreement to end hostilities with Tehran.
Wednesday’s event kicked off several weeks of America-themed festivities called “The Great American State Fair,” taking place along the national park that runs from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial — marking the country’s founding in 1776.
“This is the beginning of the golden age of America,” Trump told those gathered.
Organizers handed out rectangular cardboard American flags, which many attendees used to shield themselves from the sun before Trump took the stage after dark. The atmosphere resembled a summer concert, with vendors offering burgers, sausages, and turkey legs, while the crowd sported an array of American flag-themed clothing — from overalls and skirts to hats — alongside plenty of “Make America Great Again” caps.
Among those in attendance were Karen and Brian Ontrap, who made the journey of more than 500 miles from northwest Ohio with their children. The family had planned the trip back in January to mark the nation’s 250th birthday and, for some members of the group, to see Washington for the very first time. Karen Ontrap said the couple support the president “100%.”
