New Delhi, June 25 -- US President Donald Trump launched 16 days of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence on Wednesday, using a rally-style speech on Washington's National Mall to promote his second-term agenda and declare that the United States was now the "hottest country anywhere in the world."

The event marked the opening of the Great American State Fair, a nationwide showcase featuring exhibits from all 50 states and six US territories, military displays, music performances and patriotic attractions ahead of next year's semiquincentennial celebrations.

Trump opened his remarks with a familiar campaign-style message, arguing that the country had rebounded dramatically under his leadership.

"As we stand...