President Donald Trump held a campaign-style rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, aiming to generate enthusiasm for his presidency and the upcoming celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. The event took place amid tensions with Republican lawmakers over the Iran war and a federal judge’s decision blocking key parts of Trump’s executive order on elections.
Several musicians cancelled their appearances at the rally, citing concerns that it had become overly politicised. Meanwhile, a federal judge permanently barred the president from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, which had sought to require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. The judge ruled that the states and Congress hold constitutional authority over elections, deeming the requirements a violation of the separation of powers.
During a luncheon, Trump met with Republican senators who have grown frustrated by his deviations from the party’s agenda and his unclear strategy regarding Iran. The senators had hoped to use a housing bill, which Trump abandoned, to demonstrate their concern about affordability ahead of the November midterm elections.
Attendees packed the lawn as the sun set, with many recording the event on their phones. Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink addressed the crowd, highlighting the American Revolution as an underdog victory that “unleashed a force which to this day has been completely unmatched in the world.” He enumerated freedoms such as speech, protest, worship, and self-defence, but did not mention French assistance in the war.
Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers, paid tribute to first responders who died in the 9/11 attacks, including his brother Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter. It was one of the few moments focused on historical events. Separately, Trump expressed frustration on social media that gasoline prices have not fallen as quickly as oil prices, prompting him to ask the Justice Department to investigate possible price gouging by oil companies.
