Trump speaks at Freedom 250 to kick off fair on National Mall

The sun shone down on Washington, D.C., as people poured into the National Mall for the first-ever Great American State Fair on Wednesday evening. Thousands attended the kickoff, celebrating the start of 16 days of Freedom 250 events with a speech from President Donald Trump. Stealth bombers and other military planes flew over a crowd dotted with bright red “America is Back” hats and Freedom 250 flags. Snipers were stationed atop surrounding buildings, including the temporarily reopened Smithsonian Castle.

The White House’s Freedom 250 private nonprofit has organized a range of celebrations throughout the year in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. The organization is separate from America 250, a bipartisan congressional commission staging celebrations with support from the Bushes and Obamas.

What happened onstage? Behind bulletproof glass, military singers and bands performed patriotic songs, some in substitution for performers who dropped out. Speakers including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Georgia pastor and televangelist Jentezen Franklin highlighted Christian themes in their remarks. Duffy celebrated the night’s musical performers as “way better than those libtards that canceled on us.” During a performance of “God Bless the USA,” singer Lee Greenwood welcomed Trump to the podium. In his speech, Trump touted ending the war in Iran, lowering gas prices, and securing the southern border, thanking the staff of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. After referencing American military action in Iran and Venezuela, Trump added, “I guess we have other things in store, but we don’t want to get carried away.”

Who was there? WORLD reporters met excited attendees who hailed from all over, including Washington state, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, and Japan.

“I’m excited to be here with the American people,” said Haruhiku Koyama, from Japan. He added that the event was very patriotic.

“I love America,” said Samara Vincent of Voorhees, N.J. “I don’t care what people say: ‘Oh, Trump this, Trump that.’ Listen, we’re in the land of the free.”

“Being here, part of the celebration of our nation, which is a very unique nation, and we need to keep it godly and free,” said Jeff Horrocks, a pastor from Elverson, Pa.

Towards the end of Trump’s half-hour speech, the crowd began to dwindle. Mandy Katz, a D.C. resident, stayed put. She told a WORLD reporter that she came out of spite. “I’m displeased that Trump has taken over what was supposed to be a national celebration, for political purposes. If this is your first time seeing D.C., I’m so sorry for you.”

The fair will continue until July 10, featuring various attractions including a 110-foot ferris wheel, state and territory showcases from across America, and a rodeo. Admission is free.

WORLD / Photo by Joanna Insco