President Donald Trump stands on stage after speaking at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family, listen to speakers at the opening of the Great American State Fair, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington, as Education Secretary Linda McMahon, looks on, left. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
People arrive before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)
A person cools down with a portable fan ahead of President Donald Trump's speech at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A child looks toward the stage before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Christopher Maccihio sings before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A B-2 stealth bomber and escorts, fly over the opening of the Great American State Fair, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
FBI Director Kash Patel listens to speakers at the opening of the Great American State Fair, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
A person watches the stage before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Christopher Maccihio sings before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Audience members listen to speakers at the opening of the Great American State Fair, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Wreaths honoring U.S. Park Police and the National Park Service are laid before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
People arrive before President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
People arrive ahead of President Donald Trump's speech at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump speaks at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
People record the F-35 formation flyover as it approaches the Washington Monument during the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Audio By Carbonatix
7:59 PM on Wednesday, June 24
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump launched celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary with a rally on Washington’s National Mall, opening the 16-day Great American State Fair. The event marks the start of 16 days of festivities honoring the nation’s 1776 founding, with themed days celebrating the military, health initiatives, patriotism and Independence Day as the country begins commemorating its semiquincentennial.
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
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