The summer of celebrations promoted by the Trump Administration to mark America’s 250th birthday is set to “kick off” next week with a rally headlined by President Donald Trump.
“Wednesday, June 24th, will be the ‘kick off’ of our summer long Celebration of 250 Years of American Independence!” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday. “We are going to have fun, and celebrate America!”
The rally is one of a number of events that the Administration has unveiled to honor the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Among them is “The Great American State Fair,” which is scheduled to begin the following day on June 25, and will last until July 10. The President also said on Monday that another rally—“the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all”—would be held in D.C. on July 4th itself.
Trump announced the June 24 rally earlier this month, after several musical artists—including country singer-songwriter Martina McBride and Rapper Young MC—who were set to perform at “The Great American State Fair” pulled out of the event, accusing it of being politically charged.
The move provoked Trump’s ire, and he lambasted those performers on social media, suggesting that the concerts be canceled and that “We should have a giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain.”
Trump shared new details about the plans for next week’s rally on Monday. Here’s what we know about the event so far.
When and where is it?
The rally will start at 7 p.m. on June 24, but doors will open at 3:30 p.m., according to the website of Freedom 250, the nonprofit group the President created to coordinate his Administration’s celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The event will take place on the Main Stage at “The Great American State Fair,” which is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Will Trump be there?
Yes. When he announced the rally earlier this month—which he said would be “the Greatest Rally, EVER!”—he said that he would attend the event.
“President Donald J. Trump will headline the celebration with remarks officially launching the Great American State Fair and kicking off a nationwide tribute to the people, traditions, history, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” according to Freedom 250’s website.
Who will be performing?
The U.S. Army and Marine Corps Military Bands will be performing “ONLY THE HITS THAT YOU KNOW AND LOVE!” Trump said on Monday. Tenor Christopher Macchio will also perform, and country singer Lee Greenwood will be performing his song, “God Bless The USA,” which the President called “the Greatest Hit of All Time.”
Trump said that there will be “impressive Military flyovers featuring precision Fighter Jets and Stealth Bombers, which will be flown by our U.S. Military Pilots, who have proven to be the most Elite Pilots anywhere in the World.”
The President earlier this month suggested that ”a few speakers” may be involved in the event as well as musical performers, but has not shared details about anyone planned to give remarks at the rally—other than himself.
How can I watch the rally?
It’s not clear yet if the June 24 rally will be livestreamed.
Those looking to attend the rally, or other events at “The Great American State Fair,” in person can register to get tickets on Freedom 250’s website.
