- Donald Trump claimed 45,000 people attended his speech at the 'America 250' event on Washington's National Mall, stating the crowd was 'packed to the brim'.
- Photographs and video from the event contradicted Trump's claim, showing a much smaller turnout and attendees leaving while he was still speaking.
- Media outlets provided lower estimates, with The Washington Post describing a 'thinly covered' area and NBC News estimating 'more than 1,000' attendees.
- The taxpayer-funded 'America 250' event, intended as a patriotic celebration, has taken on a distinctly Trumpian character, featuring MAGA merchandise and branding.
- Several pop stars and country singers withdrew from performing at the event, citing concerns about its partisan nature, and some Democratic-led states declined to participate in the state pavilions.
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