Des Moines, Iowa — The gates opened at the Iowa State Fairgrounds at noon today (Thursday) in advance of tonight’s appearance by President Trump.
He’s expected to offer some details about plans for the year-long celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, culminating one year and one day from now. What’s being billed as a “monumental celebration” is planned on July 4th of 2026. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Iowa is the perfect place to launch the star-spangled event.
Iowa promises to be the centerpiece of the celebration, with events to be staged in all 50 states and all US territories. Grassley says he’s looking forward to hearing more about the national plan and Iowa’s role in it.
Tonight’s event at the fairgrounds in Des Moines is free, but tickets are required in advance at America250.org. The program is scheduled to start at 5 PM with Trump’s speech slated for 7:30, to be followed by fireworks. It’s Trump’s first visit to Iowa since he returned to the White House.
