The Man Who Lit the Washington Monument Like a Candle

Philip Wegmann-Real Clear Politics-Commentary : Jan 19, 2026
The Daily Signal

[DailySignal.com] ...On the early-early morning of New Year's Eve, a gregarious but bleary-eyed video producer from Florida named Kyle Barrett shifted side to side, bracing against a bitter wind while waiting on edits from senior administration officials. In less than 24 hours the obelisk would be bathed in moving light. This was the only dress rehearsal for what organizers called the "Illumination of America," a titanic spectacle of living images projected directly onto the monument above and the kickoff for the 250th anniversary of the United States. This made Barrett, at least in that moment, the man most responsible for the story Trump's America tells about herself. "President Trump has spared no effort in ensuring that America gets the spectacular 250th birthday it deserves—and the New Year illumination of our Washington Monument is just the beginning," said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. "Between the Patriot Games, Great American State Fair, UFC 250 Fight, and other exciting events, 2026 will feature a renewal of patriotism and national pride under this president's leadership."... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here Click Here to read and watch the video. (Screengrab image: via YouTube-WUSA9)