Donald Trump turned the kick-off of America's 250th birthday celebration on the National Mall into a campaign rally, focusing on divisive topics and himself rather than unity. The event, held near the Washington Monument, featured Trump speaking behind protective glass, discussing transgender issues, a new White House ballroom, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico. He also praised a cleaned statue of Christopher Columbus and claimed without evidence that thugs vandalized the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
Event details and atmosphere
The celebration, called the Great American State Fair, was meant to mark the nation's semiquincentennial. However, it resembled a Trump rally with MAGA hats, campaign gear, and a playlist including Michael Jackson and Elton John. Performers like Young MC and Martina McBride withdrew over politicization concerns. The revised program featured the US Marine Band and Christopher Macchio singing Nessun Dorma.
Political overtones and absent Democrats
Cabinet members and House Speaker Mike Johnson attended, but no Democrats were present. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attacked those who canceled, calling Trump the greatest president since George Washington. Trump took digs at Joe Biden, saying the U.S. was a "dead country" before his return. He also described America as "superior to any nation" and carrying "the light of western civilization," a phrase associated with white Christian nationalism.
Trump's performance and crowd reaction
Trump stuck to the teleprompter for under half an hour, avoiding long tangents. The event ended with the crowd chanting "Make America great again" and Trump dancing to YMCA. He urged attendees to return for a July 4 fireworks event, sounding like a lame duck. The celebration highlighted the division under Trump's leadership, with critics noting the missed opportunity for unity.
