President Donald Trump praised his administration for "building and operating the Great American State Fair at the National Mall" as part of the country's 250th anniversary.
In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump celebrated the event's success while contrasting it with his Democrat predecessors.
"Do you think people appreciate what a fantastic job we did in building and operating the Great American State Fair at the National Mall, packed with happy people, and everybody loving it?" Trump wrote. "Ask yourself this simple question, ‘DO YOU THINK THAT OBUMA OR SLEEPY JOE BIDEN COULD HAVE DONE IT?’ THE ANSWER IS NO!"
The 16-day fair, organized as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, opened last week on Washington's National Mall with attractions modeled after traditional state fairs, including a 110-foot Ferris wheel, rodeo demonstrations, live entertainment, food vendors, and exhibits representing all 50 states.
The event is coordinated through Freedom 250, a public-private partnership established by the White House to oversee celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has touted the celebration as one of the administration's signature patriotic initiatives, promising what he called the "greatest and biggest celebration of fireworks ever" during the Independence Day festivities.
Trump kicked off the fair with a campaign-style rally, emphasizing what he has called a renewed focus on celebrating America's achievements and history.
Supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats have been visible throughout the fairgrounds, while many families have attended to enjoy the attractions, concerts, and state exhibits.
Attendance during the opening days appeared modest, though officials expect significantly larger crowds during the July 4 holiday week.
Visitors said they were primarily focused on enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere rather than politics.
"We are here to just celebrate America," one visitor from Ohio said.
Another visitor from Virginia described the event as "a good family time on a nice summer day."
Not all states embraced the event.
Seven states led by Democrat governors declined to send official delegations, with Oregon citing concerns about costs and what state officials described as the increasingly partisan nature of the celebration.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll also found that many Americans believe the semiquincentennial events have become too political, though the White House has argued the celebration is intended to honor the nation's founding and encourage patriotism.
The Great American State Fair is one of several America 250 events scheduled nationwide this week, culminating with Independence Day celebrations Friday as the nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Reuters contributed to this report.