Trump was in town to help kick off the one-year lead-up to the nation’s semiquincentennial, which celebrates the 250 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He said he was “thrilled” to be back in Iowa and reminisced on the historically cold caucus night he won in 2024.

The America250 kickoff event in Des Moines opened at 5 p.m. Thursday with a prayer as thousands gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to celebrate a major milestone and see President Donald Trump. WATCH LIVE: Livestream the America250 event in the video player above Sign up for our NewslettersThursday's event will offer "patriotism,