President Donald Trump kicked off celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence on Wednesday evening in Washington. Held on the National Mall as the opening ceremony for the Great American State Fair, the festivities included military flyovers and a performance by Kash Patel’s girlfriend.
During his speech, the president touted his presidency and declared that America is back. Trump asserted that while the country was a dead country a short time ago, it is now the hottest country in the world and is respected by everyone.
The president centered himself and his policies as key to the future of American greatness, turning the national commemoration into a campaign-style rally and a politicized showcase for his second-term agenda. This approach equated American patriotism with a cult of personality.
The event stands in contrast to traditional anniversary celebrations, which have typically avoided partisan topics and emphasized unifying themes.