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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Ed Pilkington with photographs by Cassidy Araiza

‘Freedom Trucks’: a tour of Trump’s skewed tribute to American history – on 18 wheels

A person walks by a semi-trailer truck decorated with the words 'Freedom Truck 2026'
A ‘Freedom Truck’ at the Maricopa county fair in Phoenix, Arizona, on 10 April. Six of the mobile museums are fanning out through the 48 contiguous states this spring and summer, powered by the rightwing education non-profit PragerU. Photograph: Cassidy Araiza/Cassidy Araiza for The Guardian

George Washington greets you as you enter the truck. The great man, dressed elegantly in a black velvet coat and white cravat, stares out from the 1796 Lansdowne portrait, the lifesize image of America’s first president painted during his final year in office.

As you step towards the painting, something strange happens. Washington’s outstretched arm begins to move. His lips part. And lo and behold, the legend is talking to you!

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