As a military band played and fighter jets flew overhead, Mr. Trump took up a familiar theme that is a staple of political rallies.
Inside the Great American State Fair kickoff venue
A look inside the Great American State Fair kickoff as attendees attended the Trump rally in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump criticized the previous administration as an “absolute disaster,” touted anti-transgender policies and praised immigration officials who carried out the deportation drive during a rally on the National Mall to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary.
As a military band played and fighter jets flew overhead, the president took up a standard theme for political rallies. The event was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership established by the president to promote the nation’s milestone birthday.
The rally came amid concerns that the anniversary celebrations were becoming “divisive” and “politically charged”. President Trump organized the June 24 event to mark the opening of the Great American State Fair, replacing a concert series that was canceled after several musicians canceled over political concerns.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy accused the canceled singers of being “liberals,” a combination of the word liberal and a slur against mentally ill people.
The president took to the stage moments later to slam his predecessor in the Oval Office, declaring that under Trump, “we took back our sovereignty, we took back our freedom, we restored prosperity, we saved our country.”
President Trump has touted his “drill baby drill” energy policy, tax cuts and a series of controversial D.C. renovation projects, which he described as “monuments to American greatness.”
The rally was another example of President Trump putting his stamp on the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and putting himself front and center. He is also hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship contest at the White House on June 14th and is planning another rally on the National Mall on July 4th.
President Trump talks about immigration, Iran, and transgender policy
President Trump’s June 24 speech was shorter than his typical rally remarks, lasting less than 30 minutes, but covered many of the same topics.
The president highlighted military operations in Iran that proved deeply unpopular and immigration policies that sparked fierce backlash. He praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents who “helped liberate America.”
The president also weighed in on issues of race and gender, banning transgender women from sports and touting his administration’s moves to target gender-affirming care. And he pointed to the ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the federal government.
Trump avoided direct criticism, which has led him to call Democrats “dumacrats” in recent days, but he has repeatedly attacked former President Joe Biden without naming him, saying he “inherited a mess” and calling his predecessor’s tenure “an utter disaster.”
Reflecting pools and other DC projects
President Trump’s second term has been marked by a flurry of projects that could transform the landscape of Washington, D.C., including a new ballroom at the White House, the Arc de Triomphe near the National Mall, and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
Although these projects have faced lawsuits and criticism from historic preservation groups, President Trump has staunchly defended them, telling rally attendees that they are about creating a legacy that will last for generations.
“The great civilizations of history were not buried in the decrepit ruins of the past,” he says. “They built new cities, created new monuments, and created a huge legacy that still inspires the world hundreds and even thousands of years later.”
Since President Trump’s makeover, the reflecting pool has suffered from algae blooms and peeling paint, and the president continues to blame vandalism without providing evidence.
President Trump compares his administration to the Patriots of 1776
President Trump compared his administration to the Patriots of 1776 in remarks ahead of the Great American State Fair.
Moderate crowding on the National Mall
President Trump touted the event as “the rally to end all rallies,” but it was smaller than many events he has held in the past.
People gathered on the National Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument, sitting on blankets and plastic chairs in the crisp summer weather. Many were dressed in red, white and blue and waving small American flags.
Guests included many political VIPs, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and FBI Director Kash Patel, whose girlfriend Alexis Wilkins sang the national anthem.
The gathering may have been prompted by the withdrawal of musicians from a scheduled concert series, but it was still filled with music. Martina McBride and Bret Michaels were absent. It included covers of “Walking on Sunshine” and “Gloria,” performed by a military band.
Freedom 250 is controversial
President Trump held a rally this week on the National Mall under the auspices of Freedom 250. Congress created the America 250 Committee to plan Memorial Day events, but President Trump created Freedom 250 as a public-private partnership to organize events outside of the official Memorial Day Committee.
Freedom 250 organized the Great American State Fair and concert series, but multiple performers dropped out shortly after the lineup was announced.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has devolved into something even more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” Michaels, formerly of the band Poison, said on social media.
Rapper Young MC said he would not be attending the Freedom 250 event, calling it “political.”
At least seven states have also announced they will not participate in the Great American State Fair. Most states are run by Democratic governors due to budget constraints, but a spokesperson for Washington state’s governor also said there was a sense of partisanship.
Contributor: Drew Pittock, Melina Kahn
