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Trump distances himself from musical acts amid Independence Day plans
President Donald Trump declared he had no need for performers dropping out of America's 250th anniversary celebrations, dismissing them as overpaid and unhappy in a Truth Social post Tuesday.
"I don't want so-called 'artists' that get paid far too much money, who aren't happy," Trump wrote. "I only want to be surrounded by happy people, smart people, successful people and people that know how to win."
The president directed his team to explore making him the centerpiece of a planned 16-day "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall later this month, though it remains unclear whether musicians will be replaced by what he termed a "giant Make America Great Again Rally."
Trump's growing role in patriotic festivities
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has increasingly tied himself to major national milestones, including this year's World Cup, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the country's semiquincentennial. The latter, with its red-white-and-blue symbolism, appears to hold particular appeal for the president.
While Congress established the "America 250" commission a decade ago to oversee official celebrations, Trump-aligned groups launched a parallel, privately funded "Freedom 250" committee to host competing events.
High-profile events and controversies
The "Freedom 250" lineup includes a state fair on the National Mall, a UFC fight at the White House, a fitness competition in Orlando, an August Grand Prix street race in Washington, and what Trump bills as the world's largest Fourth of July fireworks display.
Trump frequently promotes these events on social media, sharing AI-generated images of himself waving a green flag to start the street race or standing beside a White House octagon fighting ring.
In contrast, the official "America 250" commission focuses on smaller-scale initiatives like art exhibits and nationwide block parties.
Washington's facelift
Trump has prioritized "beautification" projects across the capital ahead of the celebrations. Over a dozen fountains, including those in Sheridan Circle, Meridian Park, and Columbus Circle, have been repaired, while Lafayette Park remains closed for renovations.
A contractor is resurfacing the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, though concerns persist over funding and methods. Four bronze horse statues near Memorial Bridge will be gilded with 23.75-karat gold leaf, and crews have repaved streets and repainted lamp posts downtown.
During last week's Cabinet meeting, Trump spent over 20 minutes detailing the improvements, stating, "I love construction. DC is looking beautiful."
Monumental plans and legal hurdles
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved a 250-foot triumphal arch across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial last month, though the project requires further approvals and faces legal challenges.
Earlier this year, the Treasury Department approved a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump at a desk. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed last week that the department is also designing a special $250 bill with Trump's portrait, though placing a living president on currency would need congressional sign-off.
Partisan divide deepens
Democrats have sharply criticized the administration's efforts. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the moves self-aggrandizing, writing on X, "Get over yourself. The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe king. It is about celebrating the American journey."
Trump and his allies dismiss such criticism as unpatriotic, arguing their initiatives are fitting for a historic occasion. Yet the celebrations, intended to unify, have instead become another partisan flashpoint under Trump's leadership.
