U.S. President Donald Trump officially launched the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations on Wednesday evening, turning the opening event into a distinctively political rally complete with military bomber flyovers, marching bands, and campaign rhetoric.
“There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger, better, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before,” Trump declared to the crowd, adding, “Nobody is laughing at us now.”
Speaking on a cordoned-off section of Washington’s National Mall, the President highlighted his administration’s border restrictions and ongoing opposition to transgender rights, though his remarks were noticeably less critical of Democrats than usual.
“The American dream is alive again,” Trump said, taking a swipe at what he characterized as the “four years of incompetence” that preceded his return to the White House. The address clocked in at just under 30 minutes, marking one of the shortest speeches of his political career, which typically features remarks exceeding an hour.
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Trump concluded by promising to return to the stage on Independence Day. “Your favorite president is going to speak, please show up,” he told the crowd.
The rally serves as the opening salvo for the Semiquincentennial festivities, which organizers have billed as “The Great American People’s Fair.” Trump’s prominent billing at the event was finalized after several musical acts canceled their scheduled performances, citing fears that the landmark national milestone was being heavily politicized.
Among the opening speakers was Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who drew cheers from the crowd by labeling Trump “the greatest president since George Washington.”
During his address, Trump proclaimed the arrival of a new “golden age of America” and cheered the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Notably, Trump made no mention of the massive 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes that struck central Venezuela earlier on Wednesday evening.
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Attendees, many wearing signature red “Make America Great Again” hats, were handed cardboard flags by event staff while eating traditional fairground food like burgers and turkey legs.
Nevertheless, for the thousands of supporters gathered on the National Mall, Trump remained the main attraction. Many families traveled hundreds of miles to witness the kickoff and celebrate the country’s 250th year.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Jacob Wankasky, an attendee from Buffalo, New York, who cut his family vacation short specifically to see the President speak.
