President Donald Trump has promised a "spectacular" yearlong celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, slated to kick off on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa. The event, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, will showcase various patriotic festivities, including "dazzling" displays of Americana, musical performances, and a fireworks show, according to U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, who serves as Trump's liaison for the organizing group, America250.
Organizers envision the upcoming year of festivities as a means to unite a significantly polarized nation and bridge partisan divides. Thursday's event comes amidst contentious legislative efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to pass a major tax cuts and spending package, which faces unified opposition from Democrats. Recent polling indicates that a higher percentage of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump's performance as president, reflecting the current political climate.
Iowa was selected as the kickoff location due to its central location and Trump's historical support from the state in prior elections. Crowley expressed that Iowa symbolizes the country's desire for unity amid division. She emphasized the importance of celebrating America's 250th birthday through shared values, patriotism, and civic pride, highlighting the necessity to address the historical context of national discord for this celebration.
A Gallup poll has revealed a significant partisan divide regarding patriotism, with approximately one-third of Democrats expressing pride in being American, compared to about 90% of Republicans. In a June AP-NORC poll, only around 40% of U.S. adults approved of Trump's presidential performance, while about 60% disapproved. Additionally, a majority of Americans criticized a June military parade, which Trump authorized for the military's 250th anniversary, as an inappropriate use of government resources.
Crowley drew parallels between the current political and ideological schisms and the state of the nation during the last major birthday celebration in 1976, which followed events such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. She expressed hope that the forthcoming year-long celebration could similarly unify the country in its present moment.
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, officially declaring the break from Great Britain. Trump remarked during his Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery that he is looking forward to the significant celebration, despite his missed opportunity to serve a second term during this historic occasion.
Plans for a "Great American State Fair" began circulating earlier this year after Trump's proposal, and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds communicated strong support for hosting this event. The main celebration will ultimately happen next year on the National Mall in Washington, but the kickoff will take place in Iowa to honor Trump's initial proposal. The lineup for the Thursday event includes singer Lee Greenwood, known for "God Bless the USA," as well as key attendees like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
