Trump says “no tribute could be more appropriate” to begin 250th anniversary celebrations

Despite the seeming irony about starting the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations with a state visit from the British monarchs, the president said “no tribute could be more appropriate.”

The principles and character Americans hold dear were drawn from centuries before on the other side of the Atlantic, he said in his remarks from the White House South Lawn.

“Long before Americans had a nation or a Constitution, we first had a culture, a character and a creed,” he said. “Before we ever proclaimed our independence, Americans carried within us the rarest of gifts — moral courage, and it came from a small but mighty kingdom from across the sea.”

The president opened his remarks by saying, “What a beautiful British day this is. And it really is,” a reference to the rainy weather in the capital.