Attendees at the Great American State Fair told Fox News Digital they saw the speech as patriotic, not partisan, pushing back on media criticism that the president had sullied America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

“He’s talking about taking down communism,” David from New Jersey said.

“That’s the definition of our whole country. Built on capitalism, that’s our whole country. If that’s what he was talking about, I don’t think that’s political at all. It’s just about the freedom that we have here.”

Thousands of Americans packed the National Mall on Saturday to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, touring exhibits from all 50 states despite sweltering heat and severe thunderstorms that temporarily paused celebrations.

Hours later, President Trump delivered his 37-minute address, honoring veterans and the nation’s founding while declaring that “no dream in history is bigger” than the American experiment.

“We don’t want communists in our country,” Trump said, before a record-setting fireworks display lit up the sky.

Matt from Florida said that while others may have disliked Trump’s speech, he saw it as a tribute to veterans and Medal of Honor recipients.

“It’s really nice to see him share the stage instead of just giving a speech and going away like most presidents do,” he said.

“It was just nice to actually see him treat the whole thing as a giant event as opposed to just a limelight on himself.”

Ed from Ohio said he supports the president “100 percent,” while his wife Linda added a message for critics: “You should be able to rise above your political opinion and still enjoy the country’s Fourth of July.”

Doug and Karen from Texas said they approved of President Trump’s message.

“It wasn’t too political, it was what we needed to hear,” Doug said.

“It was good,” Karen added. “People need to hear it.”

Kim from Michigan called July 4 “a political holiday,” saying people will always find something to criticize.

“Throughout our history, it’s been about our politics and what we stand for as a people, and what we believe in and what we’re willing to fight for,” she said.

Priya from California said politics naturally belongs in a Fourth of July speech, adding that America must change course “from a very negative direction that the country has gone.”

“I think there’s an intricate part that politics play obviously in the 250 years that we have been a nation,” she said. “For it to last another 250 and hopefully beyond, we have to pay attention to that.”

The Great American State Fair continues through July 10th on the National Mall.

But here’s what they didn’t show you: little patriots running across the National Mall in red, white, and blue. Kids getting war paint from active-duty Marines. Families from Kentucky chanting “USA! USA!” as the World Cup played on giant screens.

The fair is doing exactly what President Trump intended when he signed the executive order in January 2025 — creating lifelong memories in the next generation of American patriots.

The Great American State Fair runs through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. — a 16-day celebration featuring over 150 exhibits from states, territories, government agencies, and businesses.

Daily programming includes youth livestock showcases, rodeos, live music, and educational speakers. Each day focuses on a specific theme “celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” according to the Freedom 250 website.

“I can see all the states in one place and also what’s different in each state. The United States is so unique… I don’t think there’s any other country like it.”

That’s Manny Casanova from Marietta, Georgia, who traveled to D.C. with his family to experience the fair firsthand.

At the U.S. Treasury Department booth, patriots born after January 1, 2025, can open a Trump Account and receive a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury. Kids leave with bags that say “I’m a little investor… Every coin I save helps my future.”

The Department of War booth lets kids shake hands with active-duty service members from all five branches — Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Space Force, and Air Force. Face paint. Photos in uniform. A scavenger hunt connecting kids to 250 years of American history.

The Washington Post complained the crowds looked “sparse compared with past National Mall events.” The New Republic said it “lacked energy — and people.”

What they didn’t mention: spreading the fair across the vast National Mall gives families room to breathe. The grassy fields let kids run and do cartwheels without being packed shoulder-to-shoulder. And the “empty” photos? Taken on weekday afternoons when most people are at work.

Some state booths struggled with budget constraints. Kansas and South Dakota displayed facts on white canvas stretched across metal pipes. Maine opted out entirely, citing the estimated $100,000 cost to fund booths and staff.

But other states rose to the occasion with private sponsorships.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pulled out at the last minute, claiming “there weren’t any businesses from the state interested in being featured.” Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and Democrat Sen. John Fetterman stepped in within days, gathering private sponsors to fund the Keystone State’s booth — now filled with historic American flags.

Florida consistently drew the longest lines all week. The Sunshine State gives out free manatee and alligator stuffed animals. Indiana built mini-golf courses showcasing state landmarks. Nebraska offers a Union Pacific train simulator.

Many visitors said Florida had the best booth at the entire fair.

On the east side of the mall, daily rodeos bring the American West to historic soil. Bull riding. Horse bucking. Cow herding. After every show, cowboys and cowgirls walk to the fences so kids can pet the animals and take pictures.

“The story of the cowboy is the story of America. As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, innovation, and perseverance, there is no better place than the National Mall to honor the men and women whose grit, determination, and spirit helped build the American West.”

That’s Binion Cervi of Cervi Rodeo Company, the outfit behind the fair’s rodeo programming.

Blue-state governors who opted out due to Trump Derangement Syndrome missed a vital opportunity. They could have honored America. They could have done something positive for the next generation.

Instead, they let partisan politics stand in the way of creating little patriots who will carry the torch for the next 250 years.

The fair runs through July 10. Every volunteer, every booth, every rodeo cowboy leaves kids with one message: pursue your own American Dream.

The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers when Trump laid out the bill’s voter integrity provisions.

“Today, our country is winning again and we’re winning like never before. America is back, and we want to keep America great, and we will do so by approving the SAVE America Act which means all voters must show voter ID,” Trump told the massive audience.

“All voters must provide a little thing called proof of citizenship. And there will be no mail-in ballots except for illness, disability, military deployment, or travel. And you won’t have cheating on the elections anymore. It’s very simple.”

The SAVE America Act has passed the House three times but faces Senate Democrat obstruction.

Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) told Breitbart News this week that House Republicans are “constantly consistently held hostage to the inaction of the Senate.”

Moore said the SAVE Act is now being attached to the National Defense Authorization Act through the rules process. Once the NDAA is engrossed in the House, the voter ID language will be merged into the base text.

If Senate Democrats strip the language out, House and Senate leaders would go to conference to fight for reinserting it — forcing senators to take the action of publicly removing election integrity measures from a must-pass defense bill.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), running for governor in his state, said in June that the SAVE America Act “should pass immediately” but Senate Democrats are blocking it using the filibuster.

“80 percent of the American people want the SAVE America Act,” Donalds said.

Early Vote Action’s Scott Presler has been urging lawmakers to pass the SAVE Act for months.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that states with laws allowing mail-in ballots to be counted after election day were not violating federal law.

Trump said the ruling makes the SAVE Act “even more important.”

“Because of the mail-in ballot ruling — which was a little bit surprising, gives people more time to vote illegally — the SAVE Act is even more important,” Trump said. “You have to be a citizen of our country, okay, you have to show you’re a citizen of our country, called citizenship. Voter ID by photo, photo voter ID, and no mail-in ballots — unless you’re in the military, disabled, you’re ill, or you’re away even on a vacation, we’re being very open about it.”

“It’s pretty easy, and we’ll have honest elections,” he said.

250 YEARS OF SAVING AMERICA!

“We want to keep America great. And we will do so by approving the SAVE AMERICA ACT, which means all voters must show voter ID. All voters must provide a little thing called proof of citizenship!” -President Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/2pXkRgUIEQ

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 5, 2026

All I want is the SAVE America Act. Then, I’ll let up, stop the peaceful pressure campaign, & focus solely on November. What our elected officials must understand is the American people demand some sort of election integrity going into the midterm elections. Whether it’s…

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) July 4, 2026

Trump didn’t hold back.

“For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the glory among all of the nations of the world, all over the world,” he told the crowd. “They try and be like us. Nobody can be like us.”

“Nobody can be like us.”

The president spent part of his remarks attacking the political left head-on. “Communism is a loser, and it always will be,” Trump said.

He compared the ideology to a disease that demands removal, calling it “like a cancer. You got to cut it out, you got to cut it out fast.”

The warning followed a run of primary victories by candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America, NewsNation reported. Trump didn’t name those candidates Saturday, though he has branded them communists before, according to Reuters.

Trump also revived his push for tighter voting rules. “We want to keep America great, and we will do so by approving the Save America Act,” he said.

The bill would require proof of citizenship to register and identification to vote, but it has stalled in Congress.

“You won’t have cheating on the elections anymore, it’s very simple,” Trump said.

The evening nearly collapsed before it started. Thunderstorms forced organizers to clear the Mall hours ahead of the speech, pushing spectators into nearby federal buildings, the New York Post reported.

Some booed the order and refused to leave. Others chanted “U-S-A, open the gates” as they shoved back through security.

Trump thanked those who came back and assured them the storm would not stop them.

He said 375,000 people left and 150,000 returned. Trump recounted an aide’s advice to reschedule. “One of my very brilliant people backstage said, ‘Don’t worry about it, sir, we can do it maybe next week,'” he said.

He refused, insisting the event belonged on the Fourth.

“At 250 years, we may be the oldest constitutional republic on earth, but our country is just getting started, because the best is yet to come.”

A fireworks show followed the roughly 39-minute address. The display launched 851,000 fireworks over Washington and was promoted as breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest ever, Fox News reported.

Trump closed on an upbeat forecast. “At 250 years, we may be the oldest constitutional republic on earth, but our country is just getting started, because the best is yet to come,” he said.

Melania Trump and several relatives stayed to watch the fireworks.

The speech tracked remarks Trump delivered a day earlier at Mount Rushmore, where he called communism “a mortal threat to American liberty.”

“Best fireworks show, EVER! President DJT,” Trump posted on Truth Social after the 40-minute spectacle ended.

The 40-minute display included more than 850,000 individual fireworks, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display on record.

American military service members provided the soundtrack, singing hits like Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

The largest firework show in U.S. history for America’s 250th birthday!!! pic.twitter.com/Id0oyS8uLN

— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) July 5, 2026

BOOM! THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA IS ALIVE AND WELL!

Washington DC and President Trump just BROKE THE RECORD for most fireworks EVER, and cities nationwide launched their own celebrations on America 250

After weather evacuations, patriots BROKE OUT into Star Spangled Banner before… pic.twitter.com/MnqtfylDG4

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 5, 2026

World War II veterans who were honored during President Trump’s remarks watched the display from their memorial — heroes who left home eight decades ago sitting together at the WWII Memorial to celebrate their country’s 250th birthday.

They left home as boys 8 decades ago to go out and save the world. Last night they sat at the WWII Memorial together and celebrated their country’s 250th. Still heroic. pic.twitter.com/RXnOmtMVj7

— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton) July 5, 2026

A massive thunderstorm rolled through the nation’s capital during the evening, forcing a delay in the president’s remarks.

Lightning struck near the Washington Monument as the crowd sang “Sweet Caroline” — creating dramatic images of nature competing with the fireworks finale.

HOLY SH*T:

I just caught the moment lighting strikes near the Washington Monument as “Sweet Caroline” plays during the Freedom 250 fireworks in Washington D.C.

God bless America. pic.twitter.com/5Q92TgBGST

— Evan Kilgore (@EvanAKilgore) July 5, 2026

Watch: Dramatic lightning strike during DC’s fireworks Saturday night.

While lightning appears to strike Washington Monument, the bolt actually is behind it.

Video by @AlyssaNegveskypic.twitter.com/oTVxARQ4oK

— Capital Weather (@capitalweather) July 5, 2026

Despite the weather, well over 100,000 spectators gathered on the National Mall to witness the record-breaking display.

Cities all across the United States joined in with their own America 250 celebrations.

The 250 fireworks finale! pic.twitter.com/qbgkLDhHFr

— Beverly Hallberg (@BeverlyHallberg) July 5, 2026

The entire National Mall fireworks show in about a minute, seen from the webcam at the top of the Washington Monument starting with the B1 Lancer flyover. pic.twitter.com/BY0AlLawBl

— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) July 5, 2026

Most gave the U.S. economy a passing grade, typically a “B.” But when asked if economic conditions would change their vote in November’s 2026 midterms, the answer was clear: values, leadership, and party affiliation matter more.

The responses offer a snapshot of how voters are weighing one of the nation’s top political issues as America kicks off its 250th anniversary celebrations.

“I would probably give the economy, compared to what it was, I would give it a B for sure. I think we are on the verge of an economic boom like we’ve never seen in our nation.”

Jay Miller of Lafayette, Louisiana, told Fox News Digital he believes lawmakers should work more closely with President Donald Trump to advance the administration’s agenda — arguing that doing so would unlock further economic growth.

“I’m glad that I’m living at this point and this time to witness it firsthand,” Miller said.

Donna Festinger from Greenfield, Massachusetts, gave the economy a “B-plus,” crediting the Trump administration’s focus on jobs and wages.

“I think it’s on the rise, and we’re getting more and more jobs, which I think really helps everyone in America,” the retired schoolteacher said. “I think this administration is working hard to help everybody earn more money and to be able to save more money, which will circle back into a better economy.”

Not everyone in Washington this week was as upbeat.

Bonnie from Hollister, California, gave the economy a “C,” citing ongoing concerns about prices — especially gas prices in her home state.

“I don’t think it’s great right now,” she said. “I would say maybe a C, but I’m hopeful that it’s going to turn around and be getting up to a B soon.”

Dan Cuda, a 72-year-old Air Force veteran from Maryland, said the economy still has “a lot of upside potential” despite inflation.

“Groceries are pricey,” Cuda told Fox News Digital. “I’m an Air Force veteran, and I’m still shopping at the military commissaries, and it’s noticeably up.”

Despite higher food costs, Cuda still called it a “B economy.”

But when the conversation shifted from the economy to politics, several Americans made clear: economic conditions aren’t the deciding factor in how they plan to vote.

“It doesn’t really factor into my vote. I’m voting R no matter what.”

Cuda’s sentiment was echoed across the fairgrounds.

Miller said character and values outweigh economic performance when it comes to casting his ballot.

“Give me good people,” he said. “Give me conservatives. Give me somebody with a little faith, a little family, a little value. And that’s got my vote.”

Bonnie agreed the economy matters — but it won’t change her support for her preferred candidate.

“It does matter, but it’s not gonna keep me from voting for who I wanna vote for,” she said.

Video footage from Salem News Channel showed the group dancing and partying on the street outside the event as thunder storms moved through the area:

BREAKING: Despite severe weather warnings, patriotic Americans are dancing in the streets of Washington DC during the Salute to America event pic.twitter.com/xyz

— Salem News Channel (@WatchSalemNews) July 4, 2026

Federal officials issued an evacuation alert Saturday evening while thousands of visitors were enjoying Fourth of July festivities on the National Mall, according to WUSA 9.

The National Mall reopened Saturday night after the weather-related evacuation interrupted Freedom 250 celebrations and the annual Salute to America fireworks program.

The fireworks display was the largest in American history — 40 minutes using 850,000 fireworks.

At 6:32 p.m., Freedom 250 said federal authorities asked guests to evacuate the event grounds and seek shelter inside nearby buildings.

Available shelter locations included the Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, VOA Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Building.

EVACUATION ALERT: Federal authorities have asked guests to evacuate event grounds and seek shelter. Available locations include DOC, DOE, USDA, IRS, VOA, Jefferson Memorial, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, African American Museum, Reagan Building. Stay calm and follow law enforcement.

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 4, 2026

The temperature in D.C. rose to 102 degrees on Saturday, breaking a Fourth of July record of 100 degrees set in 1919.

Event organizers said the National Mall would reopen at 9:45 p.m. The Salute to America celebration would proceed, with President Donald Trump scheduled to deliver remarks at 11 p.m., followed by the fireworks display.

Fox News’s Bret Baier said President Trump called him to say he was going to deliver his speech “no matter what” because America’s veterans went through “bad weather” on D-Day during World War II and he was not going to let bad weather stop him, either:

BREAKING: President Trump just called Bret Baier and said he's delivering his speech "no matter what" because America's veterans went through "bad weather" on D-Day and he won't let weather stop him either pic.twitter.com/xyz

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 4, 2026

A large crowd sheltering from the incoming weather inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture building began singing the National Anthem:

WATCH: Americans sheltering from storms inside USDA building break into National Anthem pic.twitter.com/xyz

— Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) July 4, 2026

Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said, “America, it’s time to celebrate.”

“Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation’s historic 250th birthday. For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination. A little rain will never diminish our pride, our patriotism, or our celebration of the greatest nation in the history of the world.”

BREAKING: America 250 events in Washington, D.C., are being delayed due to severe weather. Officials are asking guests to evacuate the event grounds and seek temporary shelter. @America250 #america250 #freedom250 pic.twitter.com/Cfk5HTjjdJ

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 4, 2026

The speech comes at 9:45 p.m. ET, followed by a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.

Trump teased the remarks would be long despite heat warnings that postponed earlier festivities. The National Mall saw temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit earlier in the day, forcing organizers to push back programming.

“Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE! The love of our Country has never been stronger! The Air Shows are at a level never seen before – What great pilots, what great equipment!!!”

Trump posted the message on Truth Social, adding he’d be “speaking at around 10:00 P.M. at The Lincoln Memorial.”

The afternoon featured military flyovers and demonstrations from NASA, the Coast Guard, Army Golden Knights, Navy Blue Angels and Leap Frogs, Air Force Thunderbirds, the Marine Corps, and Air Force One.

Guests from across the country packed the National Mall and Washington Monument grounds to watch what Freedom 250 organizers called “a breathtaking display of patriotism.”

The event schedule includes a performance from the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and multiple speakers. Opening programming began at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the official Salute to America program starting at 7:00 p.m.

Though the Great American State Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. on other days, Saturday’s celebration continues until midnight.

Trump praised the newly-renovated Reflecting Pool in his post, noting his administration spent weeks fixing it.

The pool “looks great, despite all it went through with the Vandal Thugs,” Trump wrote. He promised to “quickly drain and fix the damage done right after this big weekend.”

“Happy Independence Day. Our Country is Stronger than EVER!!!”

Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE! The love of our Country has never been stronger! The Air Shows are at a level never seen before – What great pilots, what great equipment!!! See you all later! Speaking at around 10:00 P.M. at… pic.twitter.com/a0pGU4KRb7

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 4, 2026

Freedom 250, the event organizer, invited those unable to attend in person to watch live from home.

CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY WITH US https://t.co/ali1XLh2qG

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 4, 2026

The celebration marks the culmination of a day-long Fourth of July fair featuring live performances and demonstrations along the National Mall.

President Donald Trump’s administration, working with Freedom 250, has scheduled 33 flyovers and military demonstrations over Washington, D.C., running from 1:15 p.m. to sunset at 8:30 p.m.

The program includes a Trump speech at 9:45 p.m. and a fireworks finale at 10:30 — billed as the “largest fireworks show in history.”

“July 4th will be a step beyond anything you’ve ever seen. The Military flyovers will be the best, EVER — The most planes, the newest planes, the fastest planes! I’ll be there to speak about how Great our Country is and, Making America Great Again!”

Trump made that promise in a Truth Social post earlier this week.

We now have an updated flyover schedule for the Fourth of July. pic.twitter.com/Dv9D6c7PN8

— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) July 2, 2026

The flyovers will be visible along the National Mall and Washington Monument, with demonstrations from NASA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Organizers adjusted the schedule to account for a heat wave hitting D.C. Attendees may bring non-metal water bottles and refill them at complimentary stations.

The event will feature cooling stations, misting areas, shaded rest zones, cooling tents, and on-site medical personnel.

“The safety and well-being of every guest remains our top priority as we celebrate this historic 250th Independence Day,” a joint statement from Freedom 250, the U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, Secret Service, and FEMA reads.

“In light of current heat conditions, Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have coordinated closely to adjust event timing and expand cooling resources, water stations, and medical support across the grounds.”

The agencies promised a “safe, well-prepared, and truly memorable celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”

The safety and well-being of every guest remains our top priority as we celebrate this historic 250th Independence Day. In light of current heat conditions, Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency… pic.twitter.com/7KII6oavFO

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 3, 2026

That’s nearly double the typical National Mall display.

The show will span more than a mile across Washington, launching simultaneously from eight barges on the Potomac River, West Potomac Park, and firing sites running the length of the Reflecting Pool, according to Politico Playbook.

“More than 60 technicians have spent the past week assembling the display, using fireworks sourced from the United States, Italy, Spain and Asia.”

Pyrotechnico President Rocco Vitale told Playbook his company has been planning the show since January. The soundtrack features patriotic crowd favorites like “Party in the U.S.A.” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”

President Donald Trump previewed the event in a Truth Social post, announcing a massive rally he’s calling a “Tribute to America.”

“This HUGE Celebration will honor our Country’s People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs,” Trump said.

“With the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding the beautifully new Reflecting Pool, more than 300 Members of our strong and talented Military Bands, Orchestras, and Ceremonial Units, will perform Patriotic Melodies and American Classics, and my Playlist (We will have none of those people that put you to sleep and constantly complain!), as we celebrate our Country, and Rally into the next 250 years,” he added.

Trump said the ensemble will be the “largest formation of Joint Military Music and Ceremonial performances in History.”

“There will be incredible Flyovers and Airshows featuring our Top Military Pilots and Equipment, and I will deliver keynote remarks that you will not want to miss,” Trump said.

“To conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY, right here in our Nation’s Capital.”

Lara Trump told The Alex Marlow Show that this display will be “the biggest fireworks display in history there in Washington DC.”

The Trust for the National Mall confirmed the display will include more than 850,000 fireworks and organizers are attempting a new world record.