Trump says 'America is back' at opening of Great American State Fair
U.S. President Donald Trump said 'America is back' in his speech at the opening of the Great American State Fair in Washington. In his roughly 30-minute speech, Trump also touched on the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran, and the country's 250.
U.S. President Donald Trump turned the opening of the Great American State Fair into a victory lap for the country and himself. Speaking at the event on the National Mall in Washington, Trump said, "As we stand on the threshold of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back."
Trump claimed that until recently they were a "dead country," saying, "Now we are the hottest country in the world. We are respected by everyone. Nobody laughs at us anymore."
Artists' withdrawal and Trump's leading role
The event, organized by the Freedom 250 partnership, which Trump created and describes as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, marked the beginning of a 16-day fair planned to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The fair's planning sparked controversy last month when some musicians, including rapper Young MC and country singer Martina McBride, withdrew citing concerns about the political nature of the Trump White House-backed event. Trump turned this development into an opportunity to position himself as the leading role of the program.
However, Trump's speech was unusually short compared to his typical rally speeches that often exceed an hour. Completing his remarks in about 30 minutes, Trump was observed sticking to his script.
Iran deal and cultural issues
Trump also touched on the signing of a memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran. Declaring victory while final details continue to be negotiated, Trump said, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."
In his speech, Trump briefly touched on a cultural issue that energized Republican voters during the 2024 campaign, saying, "We banned transgender mutilation of children and made it the official policy of the U.S. government that there are only two genders—male and female. We removed men from women's sports."
Reflection Pool controversy
Trump also referred to the recent controversy over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, repeating unsubstantiated claims that it had been vandalized. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that six people had been arrested and seven fined in connection with the incident, and said the pool had looked perfect recently but they had fixed it.
Opening through participants' eyes
The crowd, which started arriving at the event site in the afternoon, picked up American flag banners and sat on the grass. Some sought shade in the picnic area, while a Florida-based Bible group offered to pray for passersby. At souvenir tables, red "America Is Back" baseball caps in the style of Trump's "Make America Great Again" hats and Freedom 250 T-shirts were sold.
About half of the crowd of more than a thousand on Wednesday wore Trump slogans or images on their clothing. For them, America's 250th birthday was secondary to the opportunity to see the president. Edward X. Young, who came from New Jersey, said this was his 116th Trump rally. Some participants said they came to set politics aside and witness history. Mary Smith from Ohio said, "It doesn't matter to me who the president is. This is still my country. I am very proud and grateful to live here."
