Former President Donald Trump officially launched the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Wednesday evening, marking the beginning of celebrations for America's 250th birthday. The event featured patriotic festivities, including flyovers by stealth bombers and fighter jets, accompanied by opera and classic American rock music.
Speaking from a stage near the Washington Monument, Trump promised a significant economic revival, stating, "America's 250th year is set for an economic boom, the likes of which no nation has ever seen before." He attributed potential drops in gas prices to his negotiations with Iran to end the war.
The fair is being held on the National Mall, with all 50 U.S. states and six territories represented. Trump emphasized the nation's current strengths, declaring, "Today we have the largest economy on earth, we have the strongest military on earth, we have the most powerful technology on earth, we have the greatest culture on earth, and above all, we have the greatest people on earth."
The opening ceremony included a display of U.S. Air Force aircraft, featuring an F-35A flyover and a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The event was attended by several members of Trump's cabinet, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The fair, which runs from Wednesday until July 10, includes various themed events and musical performances. The kickoff featured performances by country music singer Alexis Wilkins, who sang the National Anthem, and opera singer Christopher Macchio. Trump's anthem, "God Bless the USA," was also played by Lee Greenwood.
Earlier in the fair's planning, several musical acts, including Bret Michaels, The Commodores, and Martina McBride, withdrew their participation, citing concerns about the event's political ties to Trump. Organizers, represented by the fundraising group Freedom 250, stated that military bands and Trump-selected performers were "so much better than those libtards who canceled on us."