WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to deliver a “spectacular” yearlong birthday party to mark 250 years of American independence. On Thursday, he will be in the U.S. heartland to kick off the patriotic festivities leading up to next year’s anniversary.

President’s allies take the lead to set up yearlong celebrations around July 4, 2026, bringing in conservative groups and staff from campaign rallies.

President Trump is set to kick off a one-year countdown to America's 250th birthday with a speech July 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.