JUNE 24, 2026
Trump hosts rally-style event on National Mall to kick off America's 250th anniversary celebrations
President Trump delivered remarks Wednesday on the National Mall as part of the "Great American State Fair," a weeks-long event marking America's 250th anniversary. The event features military flyovers by stealth bombers, military bands, and singer Lee Greenwood, and is scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10, 2026. Trump's appearance was announced after several musical acts — including Young MC, Martina McBride, and the Commodores — withdrew from the event citing concerns over politicization.
President Trump took the stage Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., delivering remarks as part of the Great American State Fair, a 16-day celebration organized around the nation's 250th anniversary. The event, stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument, includes pavilions from all 50 states and six U.S. territories, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, rodeo competitions, and civic programming organized around five themes: Made in America, American Heartland, America Innovates, The American Canvas, and Faith & Family.
Trump's role as the event's headliner emerged after several artists canceled performances. On social media, Trump described himself as "the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World" and said in a video posted Monday that the event would be "the biggest rally we've ever had." Country singer Alexis Wilkins, described by the Associated Press as the longtime girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, posted on X that she would also perform at the event.
The AP and Washington Post framed Trump's participation as a political maneuver in advance of November midterm elections, noting that Trump's overall approval rating stands at 37% in the most recent AP-NORC polling, with only 33% of U.S. adults approving of his economic leadership, 40% on immigration, and 34% on Iran. Both outlets reported that the event follows an interim agreement with Iran that has allowed the Strait of Hormuz to begin reopening, and that inflation remains higher than when Trump took office, outpacing wage growth. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said the Trump-affiliated group organizing the celebration was "selling access to special interests" and attempting to "make this 250th celebration all about him," based on documents he presented at a congressional hearing earlier this year. Democrats also cited a reported algae outbreak at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool following renovation work as evidence of mismanagement.