Trump hit on familiar themes that are staples of his political rallies, all while a military band played and fighter jets flew overhead.Show Caption
President Donald Trump gathered a crowd on the National Mall for what he described as the start of an “unforgettable birthday party” for America while also touting his own record during the campaign-style event.Trump highlighted anti-transgender policies, praised immigration agents implementing his deportation push and promoted a preliminary peace deal with Iran at the June 24 rally, which marked the start of festivities leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary July Fourth.The president hit on themes that are staples of his political rallies, all while a military band played and fighter jets flew overhead. The event was put on by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership set up by the president to promote the nation's milestone birthday.The rally came amid concerns from opponents that the anniversary celebrations have become divisive and politically charged. Trump staged the event to kick off the Great American State Fair, replacing a concert series that fell apart when multiple musicians canceled, some citing concerns about politics.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blasted the singers who canceled as "libtards," a combination of the word liberal and a slur for mentally disabled people.Taking the stage soon after, the president lashed out at his predecessor in the Oval Office and declared that under the Trump administration, "we have reclaimed our sovereignty, regained our liberty, restored our prosperity and we have saved our country."Trump touted "drill baby drill" energy policies, tax cuts and a series of controversial DC renovation projects, which he described as "monuments to American greatness."The rally was another example of Trump putting his stamp on the 250th anniversary celebrations and thrusting himself into the center. He hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship contest June 14 at the White House and plans another rally on the National Mall on July Fourth.Trump talks immigration, Iran, transgender policiesTrump's speech at the rally was shorter than his typical rally remarks, clocking in at under 30 minutes, but it hit on many of the same topics.The president highlighted the military operation in Iran that has proven deeply unpopular and an immigration agenda that has provoked intense backlash. He praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents "who have helped liberate America."The president also delved into race and gender issues, touting his administration's moves banning transgender people from women's sports and targeting gender-affirming care. And he pointed to a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the federal government.Though Trump avoided directly criticizing Democrats, whom he has taken to calling "Dumocrats," he took multiple jabs at former President Joe Biden without naming him, saying his administration "inherited a mess" and calling his predecessor's tenure a "total disaster."The Reflecting Pool and other DC projectsTrump's second term has been marked by a flurry of projects that could transform the capital's landscape, including a new White House ballroom, a proposed triumphal arch near the National Mall, and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.The projects have been met with lawsuits and criticism from historic preservation groups, but Trump has staunchly defended them and told rallygoers the changes are about creating a legacy that will last for generations."The great civilizations of history did not wallow in aging ruins of the past," he said. "They built new cities, they created new monuments, and they forged towering legacies that still inspire the world after hundreds and even thousands of years."The Reflecting Pool has experienced algae blooms and peeling paint since Trump's makeover, damage that the president has blamed on vandals without supplying evidence.Trump likens his administration to patriots of 1776President Trump likened his administration to the patriots of 1776 in remarks ahead of the Great American State Fair.Modest crowd on the National MallThough Trump billed the event as the "Rally to end all Rallies," it was smaller than many of the events he has staged in the past.People gathered on the National Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument, sitting on blankets and plastic chairs in the balmy summer weather. Many wore red, white and blue and waved small American flags.The guests included many political VIPs, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and FBI Director Kash Patel, whose girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, sang the national anthem.And while the rally may have been prompted by musicians pulling out of a planned concert series, it was still full of music. Martina McBride and Bret Michaels were out. Covers of "Walking on Sunshine" and "Gloria," performed by a military band, were in.Freedom 250 proves controversialTrump held this week's rally on the National Mall under the auspices of Freedom 250. Congress established the America250 commission to plan anniversary events, but Trump created Freedom 250 as a public-private partnership for events outside the official anniversary commission.Freedom 250 organized the Great American State Fair and the concert series, but multiple performers dropped out shortly after the lineup was announced."Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of," Michaels, formerly of the band Poison, wrote on social media.Rapper Young MC called the Freedom 250 event "politically charged" in announcing he wouldn't participate.At least seven states also announced they would not participate in the Great American State Fair. Most are run by Democratic governors who cited budget constraints, but a spokesman for Washington's governor also pointed to perceived partisanship.Contributing: Drew Pittock and Melina Khan
