Trump touts US as 'hottest country' at Great American State Fair rally

Trump said US 'most respected.' Poll shows 'largely negative' international sentiment

James Powel and Drew Pittock

Trump said the United States is the "most respected" country under his administration during his rally speech kicking off the Great American State Fair celebration. But a recent poll shows that a majority abroad have a negative view of the country.

"We are respected by everybody. Nobody is laughing at us anymore," Trump said during his speech on the National Mall in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

A Pew Research Center survey published Tuesday, just one day before the president's speech, found that international sentiment about the United States is “largely negative.”

A median of 57% of adults across the 36 nations surveyed by Pew had an unfavorable view of the United States while more than three-quarters of adults polled have “no confidence” in Trump. Of the nations polled, less than 10 view the U.S. favorably.

International respondents also tend to think that the government does not “respect the personal freedoms of its people” within its borders, according to Pew’s survey, at a median rate of 56%. The survey also found that only 35% of respondents think the United States contributes to international peace and stability.

'Hallelujah' performed over objection of Leonard Cohen's estate

Drew Pittock

Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear and opera singer Christopher Macchio performed the iconic Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah" even though the Canadian songwriter's estate said earlier Wednesday that they did not agree to its use.

"The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song 'Hallelujah' is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24," the estate wrote in a post on Instagram prior to the Great American State Fair kick-off party. "This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage."

‘We are the light of western civilization.’ Trump says America ‘superior’ to other nations

Zac Anderson

As America turns 250 years old, Trump said it’s still young compared to many countries but “superior to any nation that’s ever been built.”

And he touted the nation as a beacon for “western civilization.”

“We are the ones carrying forward the light of western civilization, because this is the very beginning of the golden age of America,” Trump said.

Trump touts 'incredible' Reflecting Pool

Drew Pittock

In a nod to the ongoing Reflecting Pool saga that's consumed much of the news cycle recently, Trump doubled down on his assertion that "vandals" are responsible for the algae blooms and peeling paint that have come to define the project.

"The Reflecting Pool that you've heard so much about, which is so incredible, it's been gruesomely vandalized by thugs, bad people, but soon will be looking as beautiful as it looked two weeks ago," Trump said to boos and jeers from the crowd. The president added that he "looked at it just a little while ago" and "it looks perfect already."

Trump also said the alleged vandals have "largely been caught and are being prosecuted."

While the Trump administration says nefarious actors are responsible for the damage, experts say it's simply a natural phenomenon.

Trump shouts out USMNT

James Powel

Trump wished the U.S. Men's National Team "good luck" for their final group stage match at the World Cup against Turkey set for Thursday in Los Angeles.

He called hosting the tournament "like having a Super Bowl" every day.

The U.S. has already clinched the top spot in Group D following the two wins to open the campaign.

'We have other things in store': Trump hints at more military action

Francesca Chambers

Talking about military operations in Venezuela, where the U.S. military pulled a snatch and grab on deposed president Nicolás Maduro in January, and Iran, which the U.S. has been hitting with airstrikes since February, Trump hinted at future military action in his speech.

"I guess we have other things in store," Trump said with a chuckle. "But we don't want to get carried away," he added

Taking victory lap on Iran, Trump pledges $2.50 gas

Francesca Chambers

Addressing rallygoers on the National Mall as he began his address, Trump touted a preliminary deal with Iran to end the war, which he said would create the conditions for an agreement that would prevent the adversary from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"We had to make that little journey to Iran to do what we did," Trump said, predicting that gas prices would fall to $2.50 after the conflicts wraps.

The last time gas prices were that low was January 2021. At the time of the rally, gas prices were at $4.20 on average across the country, according to AAA. Earlier in the day Trump said he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate oil companies over high prices.

Trump's America 250 speech starts like many of his political rallies

Zac Anderson

“Now we are the hottest country anywhere in the world,” Trump said. “Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”

Trump also touted his preliminary peace deal with Iran, criticized President Joe Biden’s administration as a “total disaster" and praised immigration agents.

Trump takes the stage

Drew Pittock

President Donald Trump just took the stage at the Great American State Fair kick-off, following a performance by Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the USA."

Controversial museum truck at fair

Michelle Del Rey and Karissa Waddick

Early in the day, attendees flocked to the Freedom 250 mobile museum.

The organizers of the fair spent $10 million retrofitting six tractor-trailer trucks with mobile history exhibits created in partnership with Hillsdale College, a private conservative Christian school, and PragerU, a conservative media organization. 

The truck on the fairgrounds provides information on the Revolutionary War and includes exhibits utilizing AI that showcase President George Washington and First Lady Martha Washington as well as an interactive experience that allows visitors to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Food prices at fair far from cheap

Michelle Del Rey

Food at the fair was a significant expense for attendees, with options limited on kickoff day.

The only food stall that was open during kickoff sold turkey legs for $23, a smash cheeseburger for $20 and a giant western sausage for $20. Lemonade cost $9.

For those who wanted a snack, pretzels – when available – ranged in price from $12.48 to $24.96.

Trump speech draws political VIPs

Francesca Chambers

Trump's speech on the National Mall drew a number of VIPs, political ones that is.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was shown on screen sitting with acting attorney general Todd Blanche, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other Trump administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel.

The Trump administration officials were among the lucky guests seated near the front of the stage and had folding chairs to sit in. Other rallygoers stood or sat near the back on picnic blankets.

Tourist takes in fair kickoff

Francesca Chambers

Leroy Spieirings, a Captain in the Royal Netherlands Air Force stationed in the Washington, DC area, told USA TODAY that he came to the event because he wanted to see an American political rally in person.

He described himself as a "tourist" and was clad in an American flag shirt for the occasion. He also purchased a red "AMERICA IS BACK" hat made for the kickoff event – which retails for $40.

"I don't really have like a political viewpoint," Spieirings said. "Of course we get a lot of news from President Trump, everything that happens here in Washington D.C. and in the United States and we just wanted to be a part of it."

Contributing: Michelle Del Rey

Who is Pastor Jentezen Franklin?

Drew Pittock

Pastor Jentezen Franklin delivered the invocation during the Great American State Fair opening.

Franklin has been at odds with President Donald Trump in the past over Trump’s depiction of racial minorities.

When Trump posted a video to Truth Social earlier this year depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, Franklin wrote on X, “When I saw the insensitive and racial depiction today on Truth Social of the former President and his wife, my heart sank. It was a terrible post.”

During his first term as president, Franklin also publicly condemned Trump after he said he didn’t want people migrating to the United States from countries like Haiti and African nations.

"I don't agree with what the president said this week. It was wrong what he said….There's no nations that are trash, and I'm putting it kind what he said. There's no people in those nations that are worthless and trash," the pastor said during a Sunday sermon at the time. 

Florida bartenders saved tips to support Trump’s 250 fair

Josh Meyer

Allie Stevenson, 37, a bartender from Florida said she saved her tips and came up to spend a few weeks in Washington, DC, for the series of events.

"I chose to come up here for a couple of weeks so I can support Trump and the Great American State Fair. This is something special to me," Stevenson said.

When asked why she likes Trump so much, Stevenson said it was his “attitude,” using an expletive to describe the president’s unflinching nature.

“I love that he'll do whatever it takes, no matter what anybody thinks, to make this country great,” said Stevenson, who was wearing a Trump National Doral championship polo shirt.

Wilkins performs National Anthem

Drew Pittock

Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, performed the "Star-Spangled Banner," the United States' national anthem, accompanied by the President's Own United States Marine Band during the kickoff celebration.

The performance followed the "Presentation of Colors" and a procession from the United States Ceremonial Flag Unit.

Fair program begins

James Powel

The program for the Great American State Fair kickoff has begun, with Monica Crowley, chief of protocol of the United States, praising the president's events surrounding America's 250th birthday.

"This movement uniting our country to commemorate its 250th birthday has no greater champion than President Donald J. Trump," Crowley said. She noted the event will have "the biggest fireworks display of all time" on July 4 for the Independence Day celebration.

Trump is expected to speak at around 8:30 ET.

USA TODAY is livestreaming the program here and on our YouTube channel.

Wearing their finest red, white and blue summer wear, attendees await Trump

Drew Pittock

Hundreds of people are filing onto the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the kick-off party of the Great American State Fair where President Donald Trump is set to take the stage in several hours.

According to USA TODAY reporters at the event, several hundreds of people have shown up so far, spread among plastic chairs in front of the stage and milling about the grounds. A lawn area set aside is reportedly not full. Some people are sitting on blankets, while most are standing.

However, unlike the stormy weather that threatened to derail the UFC fight night on the White House South Lawn earlier this month, today is a balmy 80 degrees in DC, with people decked out in their finest red, white and blue summer wear.

So far, operations have run relatively smooth, save for a brief power outage that led to a pretzel shortage. All in all, however, there haven't been any major hiccups.

Power outage pauses pretzel sales

Michelle Del Rey

Power in the food and beverage pavilion at the fair momentarily went out, workers said, barring them from selling some stuffed pretzel rolls. Workers told USA TODAY the power had returned but there would be a 30-minute wait before they could heat up additional pretzel rolls.

The stuffed pretzel roll menu includes Fresh MD Blue Crab & Cheese Footlong, Philly Cheesesteak, Spinach and Artichoke, Mac N Cheese, Nutella, Pretzel Nugs and Cinnamon Sugar Nugs with prices ranging from $12.48 to $24.96.

Other food available at the fair includes a Turkey Leg that costs $23, a Smash Cheeseburger that will set patrons back $20 and a Giant Western Sausage that sells $20.

MAHA lessons about healthy food sandwiched between corn dogs and pretzels

Bart Jansen

The Great American State Fair will feature presentations on Trump’s Make America Healthy Again movement along with healthy portions of mac-and-cheese, Italian sausages and corn dogs.

The MAHA wellness coalition includes a breakfast demonstration by Judy’s Pancakes on June 29. A MAHA panel July 6 features Holistic Hilda talking about nutrition and lifestyle, a beverage-making session and Joel Salatin’s Food Emancipation Proclamation. And Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, will join celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian on July 6 for an edible lesson about the MAHA food pyramid.

But rest assured fair vendors will provide plenty of other offerings, including hamburgers, pizza, nachos and cookies.

"Food is one of the great unifiers of the American experience," said Keith Krach, Freedom 250 CEO.

Kash Patel's girlfriend to perform at kick-off party

Drew Pittock

Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, will be performing at tonight's kick-off party after nearly all of the artists who were scheduled to play pulled out of the event.

In a Tuesday, June 23, post on X, Wilkins confirmed the news, writing, "What a great honor to be a part of the 250th birthday of this great nation." She is billed as a "featured performer."

Some on social media questioned the ethics surrounding a government official's partner being paid to perform with taxpayer dollars. Wilkins addressed the criticism in a post on X, saying she wasn't being paid, that taxpayers aren't footing the bill for the event, and that her years in the country music industry validate her invitation to participate.

"I'm no longer accepting false narratives and total sham accusations that diminish my hard work and earned accomplishments," Wilkins wrote, "so please expect this kind of response to continue."

As of Wednesday, June 24, Wilkins had 5,620 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Fair attendees say they want to ‘recognize the birth of the country’

Josh Meyer

Joe and Natalie Cox, of Arlington, Virginia, came to the Freedom 250 event as their own kickoff to a series of events they plan to attend through the next few weeks, including the Formula One race.

 "We're here to recognize the birth of the country, you know 250 years of the country being together," said Joe Cox, 67, a defense contractor and former military. He is especially interested in seeing tonight's military flyover and to “watch our great military power."

Cox, 67, is a defense contractor and former military and Natalie Cox, 62, is former career Red Cross.

Both Joe and Natalie, 62, who had a career in the Red Cross, said they understand the difference between the Freedom 250 and America 250 events and plan to attend some of each. 

Neither said they were particularly bothered by the fact that this one is a Trump-affiliated event, rather than the non-partisan event with American 250.

"I think anytime a president goes somewhere he links to a campaign or a political opportunity," Joe Cox said.

Snipers, anti-drone tech: Which agencies are overseeing security?

Drew Pittock

During a security briefing earlier this month, several agencies detailed their roles in securing tonight's kick-off party and other high-profile events during the 16-day Great American State Fair.

Here's what you should know about those plans.

The FBI is the lead law enforcement agency responsible for handling terrorist threats and intelligence targeting the summer events. The U.S. Secret Service, meanwhile, is responsible for designing, coordinating and implementing all operational security measures – everything from control of protective details for VIPs like Trump to airspace security and credentialing of guests.

Other agencies involved in securing the summer festivities include the U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Park Police, the Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

The FBI will bring SWAT officers, crisis negotiators, evidence response teams, bomb technicians and anti-drone systems.

In the lead-up to the events, federal agents have also been working to scrape the web to identify and verify potential threats online.

The U.S. Park Police will provide horse-mounted patrolmen, with sniper teams placed in strategic locations throughout the capital. National Guard soldiers and airmen will be tasked with crowd control, traffic management and security patrols.

What to know about security protocols at the rally

Drew Pittock

Visitors to the Great American State Fair, as well as its subsequent events over the next 16 days, should expect increased security protocols, following an alleged plot to attack the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House earlier this month, federal authorities said.

The events are expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the city over the next few weeks, officials estimate.

Those wishing to attend the events will need to pass through magnetometers and bag-checks, officials said. Checkpoints may be a nuisance but they are essential to stopping potential shooters from infiltrating an event, said Scott Duffey, a former FBI agent and co-director of the Criminal Justice Institute at Wilmington University in Delaware.

Trump’s attendance at the events, which the president publicly announced in the last four weeks, has upped the stakes and the risks − especially for the U.S. Secret Service, which is in charge of protecting him.

Public safety experts as well as current and former federal officers told USA TODAY they have confidence in the agencies involved in securing the upcoming celebrations, as they are well-versed in high-profile events like presidential inaugurations.

No alcohol to be sold Wednesday because Trump doesn't drink, cashiers say

Michelle Del Rey and James Powel

Cashiers at the kickoff of the Great American State Fair said Wednesday’s events would not include alcohol because President Trump doesn’t drink.

Despite the teetotaling decision, stacks of beer, including Michelob Ultra, Kona Big Wave, Bud Light and Budweiser sat behind the register as workers informed attendees that alcohol would be sold beginning Thursday.

Freedom 250, the event's organizers, said in an email to USA TODAY that "alcohol and beverage availability vary by Freedom 250 event and venues" but did not comment on the availability of alcohol during the kickoff or if the decision had any connection to the president. USA TODAY has asked Freedom 250 to clarify alcohol availability for Wednesday's event.

USA TODAY has reached out to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which controls liquor licenses in Washington D.C., to verify when the liquor licenses for the event take effect.

This post has been updated with new information.

Leonard Cohen's estate condemns use of 'Hallelujah'

Drew Pittock

The estate of famed Canadian poet and songwriter, Leonard Cohen, condemned the expected use of one of his most celebrated songs, "Hallelujah," at tonight's Great American State Fair kick-off party.

"The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song 'Hallelujah' is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24," the estate wrote in a post on Instagram. "This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage."

In a nod to President Donald Trump's signature social media sign-off, the estate concluded its post, writing, "Thank you for your attention to this matter."

What are the themes of the Great American State Fair?

Mike Stunson

Each day has its own theme, beginning June 25 with "The American Canon: Opening Day." The theme's description says the day will launch "the Great American State Fair as a national exposition, enshrining the architecture, infrastructure, and culture that forged our nation into a global force."

Below is a list of each day's programing themes. For a description of each day, visit the Freedom 250 website here.

• Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
• Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
• Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
• Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
• Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA Monday
• Tuesday, June 30— Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
• Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and Inspiration
• Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of America
• Friday, July 3 — Wings of Freedom
• Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
• Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & Legacy
• Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA Monday
• Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and Opportunity
• Wednesday, July 8 —Family Life and Community Support Celebrate
• Thursday, July 9 —Engines of Enterprise
• Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | Innovation

Who is performing at Trump's kickoff rally?

Melina Khan

Although the president is positioning the June 24 event as a rally rather than a concert, several musical acts are part of the lineup.

"God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood and tenor vocalist Christopher Macchio will perform before Trump's headlining speech.

The U.S. Army Band, Armed Forces Choir, U.S. Marine Band and Joint Armed Forces Chorus will perform as well, Trump said in a social media post.

The 83-year-old Greenwood has been a longtime Trump ally, having performed at his past campaign rallies and even selling a bible alongside the president in 2021. Similarly, Macchio performed at Trump's inauguration in 2025.

Where is the Great American State Fair?

Mike Stunson

The fair will take place on the National Mall between 14th Street and 4th Street in Washington, DC.

Attendees can enter the fairgrounds through 12th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison NW or 7th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison Drive NW.

With limited parking around the National Mall, guests are encouraged to use rideshare or use the city's Metrobus or Metrorail.

What is the Great American State Fair?

Drew Pittock

The Great American State Fair is a 16-day event that runs from June 25 to July 10, with a special kick-off party taking place today, June 24, with President Donald Trump giving an address.

The fair will operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, though organizers plan to keep the fair open until midnight on July 4, in honor of the country's 250th birthday.

The Great American State Fair takes its cues from the World's Fairs of old, which showcased the achievements of nations across the globe and were popular throughout the early- to mid-20th century.

"Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall," organizers say.

Although Freedom 250 says each state will participate, some states have said they will not allocate resources to the event. Each participating state receives a 600-square-feet space to lay out their exhibit along the National Mall.

Meanwhile, companies and government agencies like YouTube, Harley-Davidson, Meta and NASA will also have exhibits at the fair. "Guests will explore themed districts dedicated to innovation and technology, manufacturing, agriculture, military service, faith and family, education, health and wellness, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and space exploration," Freedom 250 says.

What happened to Freedom 250's Great American State Fair?

Melina Khan

While the concerts tied to the Great American State Fair are now replaced with Trump's headlining speech, the rest of the fair is still happening as scheduled, according to Freedom 250's website.

The event will feature pavilions representing 56 states and territories, specialty exhibits and classic fair attractions. The fair will be held daily from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall.

Musicians pull out of 'divisive' event

Melina Khan

Within hours of Freedom 250 announcing its concert series, musicians began pulling out.

Country performer Martina McBride wrote on X that she was misled into believing that she would be performing at a "non-partisan event."

"I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case," she wrote.

Bret Michaels attributed his exit to the "divisive" nature of the event.

"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," he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.