NATIONAL NEWS

Trump launches 250th birthday celebration on Washington’s National Mall, in photos

Jun 24, 2026, 5:59 PM | Updated: 7:16 pm

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family, listen to speakers at the opening of the Great ...

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)
Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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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Trump launches 250th birthday celebration on Washington’s National Mall, in photos