President Donald Trump marked the launch of the America250 celebration on Wednesday by declaring that the United States has entered a new era as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as reported by Townhall.

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Speaking during the Great American State Fair kickoff event, Trump highlighted what he described as a resurgence in America's standing on the world stage while encouraging Americans to look ahead to the nation's semiquincentennial celebration.

“Tonight, as we stand on the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back."

The president said the United States has regained international respect compared with previous years.

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“Now we're the hottest country anywhere in the world who are respected by everybody. Nobody's laughing at us anymore,” he said.

Image Credit: White House

Trump continued by contrasting the country's current position with where he believes it stood two years earlier.

“Two years ago, they were laughing. Now we're the most respected anywhere. Think of it, anywhere in the world, where were we two years ago? We were respected. We were a joke. We're not a joke anymore,” the president said.

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Throughout his remarks, Trump repeatedly emphasized what he described as a period of renewed optimism and opportunity for the country.

"We're in the golden age. There's never been an age like this," Trump said before urging Americans to "raise our expectations of what America can be."

He also told the audience, "The best is yet to come."

Looking back on the nation's history, Trump praised the generations of Americans who helped establish and preserve the United States over nearly two and a half centuries.

"This exceptional nation was forged, worn, by some of the bravest, toughest, most extraordinary people ever to stride the Earth," he said.

The Great American State Fair kickoff served as the opening event for the nationwide America250 celebration leading up to the country's 250th birthday.

The program featured patriotic performances from musicians and military ensembles, along with remarks from members of the president's Cabinet.

Among the featured performers were Lee Greenwood, Alexis Wilkins, Christopher Macchio, and several military music organizations, including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Several administration officials also addressed attendees during the celebration. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy each delivered remarks as part of the event.

Duffy thanked the performers and military musicians during his speech and referenced artists who had reportedly canceled appearances.

"To start this off, I think we have to give a big round of applause for our military band and singers — way better than those libtards that canceled on us!" Duffy said.

The America250 initiative is designed to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary with events taking place across the country in the months leading up to Independence Day in 2026.

Wednesday's kickoff celebrated the beginning of those festivities and featured patriotic music, speeches from administration officials, and tributes to the nation's history and military.

Trump used the occasion to frame the anniversary as both a celebration of the country's past and an opportunity to look toward its future, repeatedly emphasizing confidence in America's direction while encouraging Americans to participate in the historic milestone over the coming year.

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