Trump celebrates nation’s ‘250-year triumph’ at Great American State Fair opening

Published June 24, 2026 10:20pm ET



President Donald Trump kicked off the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Wednesday night with a sweeping speech celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary while reprising many of the central themes of his presidency.

Speaking 10 days before the Fourth of July, Trump used the commencement event to praise the country’s founding ideals, highlight his administration’s accomplishments, and preview a slate of patriotic events celebrating the nation’s birthday.

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