US President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington.US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) launched a 16-day celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, kicking off festivities with a rally on the National Mall. “Tonight, right here on our National Mall, we are beginning the most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen. This evening, it is my honor to officially kick off the celebration with The Great American State Fair.”The event marked the onset of “The Great American State Fair”, a 16-day programme running through July 10, featuring displays representing all 56 states and territories. Addressing thousands gathered behind bullet-proof glass stretching across the stage, the US President added, “As we stand on the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back.”“Just like those patriots of 1776, over the past 17 months, we have taken power back from the far-off political class,” he added, referring to his return to the White House after one term under Democratic President Joe Biden.How will the celebrations lookTrump said that the celebration will have military flyovers, special performances, patriotic music, high tech demonstrations, unique exhibitions, a FIFA Fan Zone, and even an old-fashioned Rodeo.On July 4th, the country will stage its biggest spectacle yet on the National Mall as it marks its 250th year with what is being described as the largest fireworks display in world history. An official world record is expected to be set, with fireworks said to be 100 times more than a typical July 4th display. In August, the Patriot Games will take place, a first-of-its-kind competition bringing together leading high school athletes from across the United States.Shortly after, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is planned to be held in Washington D.C., as part of the broader series of anniversary events. The National Mall has been set up with American flags and “Freedom 250” branding across a large covered stage, with military jets flying overhead at intervals. Large screens have been placed on either side of the stage, while the Washington Monument stands visible in the background.A newly installed Ferris wheel, measuring 110 feet (33.5 metres) in height, has also been placed nearby and is scheduled to open to visitors from Thursday.The celebrations are taking place at a politically sensitive moment for the president, with the anniversary events unfolding alongside debate over his governing style and efforts to reshape Washington. The programme has also seen months of friction, including changes to planned performances, withdrawals of several musical acts, and modifications to key landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.The original line-up had included acts such as Poison frontman Bret Michaels, Young MC and the Commodores, but several performers withdrew amid concerns over participating in a potentially partisan event. The revised programme now includes performances by Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio, along with military bands.The celebrations come after Trump hosted mixed martial arts fights on the South Lawn of the White House last week, an event that drew large television audiences but was widely regarded by many Americans as distasteful.