President Donald Trump launched the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington on Wednesday evening, opening 16 days of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with a speech that White House officials described as a celebration of national renewal. The address, delivered behind bulletproof glass before a crowd of supporters, featured military flyovers, a Ferris wheel, and musical performances, but was reshaped after a series of artists withdrew, citing what they described as the event’s increasingly partisan character. Trump declared that “America is back” and likened his political movement to the patriots of 1776, while touting his administration’s record on the economy, the recent Iran agreement, and the renovation of Washington landmarks.

According to the White House, the fair and the broader Freedom 250 programme are intended to honour the nation’s founding and showcase American achievements. Trump used the speech to claim that the country had been “dead” before his return to office and to attack his predecessor Joe Biden’s record as a “total disaster.” He also highlighted infrastructure projects in the capital, including a new White House ballroom and repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been plagued by algae blooms and peeling paint. Administration officials have attributed the pool’s problems to vandalism, though they have not presented evidence.

Democratic leaders and several state governments have pushed back against the event’s tone. The Democratic National Committee chair, Ken Martin, accused Trump of turning a national commemoration into a “Trump-themed” spectacle, while seven Democratic-governed states declined to participate, citing both political and financial reasons. The withdrawal of performers such as Young MC, the Commodores, and Martina McBride further underscored the friction; the artists said they had been led to believe the event would be nonpartisan. In response, Trump announced himself as the headliner, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy used a derogatory term for liberals while praising the military bands that replaced the cancelled acts.

The celebrations unfold as Trump faces public discontent over the cost of living and the military campaign against Iran, and as his party prepares for midterm elections. Analysts in Washington note that the president’s decision to centre the anniversary on his own political brand risks deepening national divisions at a moment traditionally reserved for unity. The fair continues through 10 July, with a large fireworks display planned for Independence Day and additional events including a high-school athletic competition and a Grand Prix race. Trump is expected to return to the National Mall for a further address on 4 July.