{"id":22645,"date":"2026-07-02T03:40:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T03:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/i-went-to-trumps-great-american-state-fair-heres-what-i-discovered\/"},"modified":"2026-07-02T03:40:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T03:40:10","slug":"i-went-to-trumps-great-american-state-fair-heres-what-i-discovered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/i-went-to-trumps-great-american-state-fair-heres-what-i-discovered\/","title":{"rendered":"I went to Trump\u2019s Great American State Fair. Here\u2019s what I discovered"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div class=\"sc-6c4043fd-0 eKWkVq sc-13344c9c-2 jwvfKN\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 ikojFo\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 tyHWF\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"28.200689061154\">\n<p><strong>Washington:<\/strong> In case you hadn&rsquo;t heard, America is having a birthday. A big one. And President Donald Trump has a hand in most of the celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>One of his signature creations for the country&rsquo;s 250th anniversary is the Great American State Fair, taking place on Washington&rsquo;s National Mall.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Great American State Fair has been mocked by some critics for a lack of attendance.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.126,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3071b157e7f051947d53868c47ce6efbdc21f873 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The Great American State Fair has been mocked by some critics for a lack of attendance.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jen Golbeck<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Like anything Trump does, the event has become a magnet for criticism &ndash; the kind he would deride as &ldquo;Trump derangement syndrome&rdquo;. In this case, the fair is being ridiculed for poor attendance, with photos and videos of empty fields going viral on social media.<\/p>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/12-weeks-jail-for-school-it-support-technician-who-took-upskirt-videos-of-teachers\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">&lt;div&gt;12 weeks' jail for school IT support technician who took upskirt videos of teachers&lt;\/div&gt;<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>We know how much Trump obsesses about crowd sizes. But are the critics right? I wanted to see for myself.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The fair features exhibitions from most US states and government departments, along with museums showcasing American achievements.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.402,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_23,%24y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.402%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_23%2C$y_15\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3b15cd7e15fb25646cdb933d043d5e673c019dd2 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The fair features exhibitions from most US states and government departments, along with museums showcasing American achievements.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Bloomberg<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I visited the fair on a hot and sunny Tuesday afternoon. The first thing that struck me: no queue for entry. That is something of a minor miracle in the US, where long security lines are part of life. But on this occasion, I just walked straight in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-13344c9c-3 fepRQx\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 hJILsT adWrapper noPrint sc-3f16ee48-9 sc-13344c9c-4 xHsUt efZfmU\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"38\">\n<p>The state fair is a celebration of all things American, from the history of its independence from Britain to its unrivalled achievements in science, technology, space exploration and more. It is an unapologetic temple to American greatness and &ldquo;freedom&rdquo;.<\/p>\n<p>It is also, in large part, advertising. Much of the fairground is taken up by exhibits from US states showcasing their major industries, local produce and tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<p>The stalls are invariably staffed by enthusiastic representatives from their state tourism offices or other government departments, who are only too happy to spread the good word about skiing in Colorado or bourbon tasting in Kentucky.<\/p>\n<p>Nick Harrington, a super-smiley South Dakotan, gives me the big sell on his state: the famous Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, but also the Missouri River, the glacial lakes and tall grass prairies. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s something for everybody,&rdquo; he beams.<\/p>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/migrant-acquitted-in-first-trial-over-us-border-military-zones\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">Migrant acquitted in first trial over US border military zones<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>There&rsquo;s also a row of stalls dedicated to government departments: the Department of War (nee Defence), the Justice Department and even the US Treasury, whose stall is largely dedicated to marketing &ldquo;Trump Accounts&rdquo; to parents and prospective parents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Log carving at the Great American State Fair.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.149,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9bbba7fb3d39ed7537284314540c477376576596 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Log carving at the Great American State Fair.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jen Golbeck<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-13344c9c-3 fepRQx\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 hJILsT adWrapper noPrint sc-3f16ee48-9 sc-13344c9c-4 xHsUt efZfmU\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"37.633289986996\">\n<p>Trump&rsquo;s presence is not overwhelming, but over time, it makes itself known. Inside the &ldquo;Freedom Truck&rdquo;, while his face doesn&rsquo;t feature on the wall of American heroes, a quote from him takes pride of place. There&rsquo;s a whole separate exhibit shilling Trump Accounts, and later I see a man walking around in a Trump Accounts apron.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Workers cleared algae from the pool over the weekend.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.23921391461486333,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_0,%24y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.23921391461486333%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_402\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/218316e63097f829dc5576d04441c2487d71b287 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The programming is also heavy on Trump administration officials and MAGA allies. The day I visit, the Freedom Stage features a panel with Homeland Security undersecretary Pedro Allende &ndash; a Trump appointee &ndash; and a fireside chat with acting Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling and celebrity plumber Roger Wakefield.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, another stage features a &ldquo;special gathering&rdquo; with Lee Zeldin, the Trump-appointed head of the Environmental Protection Agency, who was set to talk about the president&rsquo;s revitalisation of Washington.<\/p>\n<p>A hubbub drew me towards the Department of Energy&rsquo;s stall; it turned out the crowd was there for a visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, whose attention I briefly caught.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Energy Secretary Chris Wright and acting Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling were among the administration officials who visited on Tuesday.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.151,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/931bb87a69f1e3c62625cb28398ae4faca5832d9 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Energy Secretary Chris Wright and acting Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling were among the administration officials who visited on Tuesday.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jen Golbeck<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;Hello to all my great friends in Australia,&rdquo; he told me and my video camera. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re a big energy nation, big minerals nation, great ally of the United States, and we played a great football game together in FIFA as well.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-13344c9c-3 fepRQx\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 hJILsT adWrapper noPrint sc-3f16ee48-9 sc-13344c9c-4 xHsUt efZfmU\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"29.233495482974\">\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"World versus Donald Trump\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.5519,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d0aa67864fb3411facf4cfab50c88a3cd1bf1b7b993d5f0b4e0db1a9ed016fe4 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The fair is being run under the auspices of Freedom250, a Trump administration initiative to organise patriotic events for the country&rsquo;s 250th birthday. Trump was not satisfied with the events planned by America250 &ndash; a bipartisan, congressionally mandated organisation tasked with steering the festivities.<\/p>\n<p>As such, the event has taken on a partisan vibe &ndash; much like the kick-off celebration last week, which turned into a Trump rally after planned musical guests bailed en masse.<\/p>\n<p>All told, it&rsquo;s a pretty lame affair. There can&rsquo;t be too many Americans gagging to hear more from Trump administration officials &ndash; given they basically never stop talking or posting &ndash; and there&rsquo;s not much fun in collecting brochures about Idaho or Alaska.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"American innovations were on display at the fair, including this Boston Dynamics robot.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.149,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d14a665c63c419864927fa74469b53a55d12aa20 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>American innovations were on display at the fair, including this Boston Dynamics robot.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jen Golbeck<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are one or two classic cars to look at. You can ride the Ferris wheel and grab a beer at the Budweiser bar. An underwhelming pretzel will set you back $US10 ($14.45). I didn&rsquo;t dare try the orange chicken.<\/p>\n<p>Americans have a preternatural affection for this kind of stuff &ndash; a garish, in-your-face patriotism that would not quite fly in Australia. I suppose you only turn 250 once; &rsquo;tis the season. But the Great American State Fair&rsquo;s main crime is that it&rsquo;s just a bit dull.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-13344c9c-3 fepRQx\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 hJILsT adWrapper noPrint sc-3f16ee48-9 sc-13344c9c-4 xHsUt efZfmU\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"40\">\n<p>As for the crowds, they weren&rsquo;t quite as dire as some of the imagery might portray. There was a steady flow of people coming in and out of many state stalls; at times, there was even a line to get into the Florida exhibit.<\/p>\n<p>But nobody wants to hang out in the middle of the National Mall when it&rsquo;s 32 degrees. It was even hotter under the sun in the mall; my phone stopped working twice due to the heat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Visitors at the State Fair sought shade or shelter during blistering heat in Washington on Tuesday, with worse to come.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.17,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.17%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9a1e77f3032e4c8171a86ea48cd4ac52c1a0d726 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Visitors at the State Fair sought shade or shelter during blistering heat in Washington on Tuesday, with worse to come.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Mark Schiefelbein<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One had to feel sorry for the musical acts. At one point, I witnessed a band from Mississippi playing to a crowd of two people. Later, a juggler increased the audience to a healthy dozen.<\/p>\n<p>Trump&rsquo;s fair is about to hit another snag: a dangerous, record-breaking heatwave is headed for Washington, with the mercury expected to eclipse 37 degrees for the next five days and reach tops of 39. People, especially the elderly, are being advised to limit their time outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>Still, those who braved the conditions on Tuesday appeared happy with what they found. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s very family-friendly,&rdquo; said Sheila Kay, 65, from Maryland. &ldquo;The media here, they put a negative slant on everything.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>On the fair&rsquo;s first day, a power outage in the food hall caused the ice-cream to melt &ndash; a story that was covered with great fanfare by some media outlets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-13344c9c-3 fepRQx\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 hJILsT adWrapper noPrint sc-3f16ee48-9 sc-13344c9c-4 xHsUt efZfmU\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"29.307280513919\">\n<figure class=\"sc-5119f468-1 guPQLf\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_1.0648%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_2.1296%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_0.9206%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_1.8413%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&ldquo;There&rsquo;s some haters. There always will be. But that&rsquo;s OK, that&rsquo;s part of who we are too,&rdquo; says John Kay.\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.211,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_215,%24y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.211%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_215%2C$y_158\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/805e42eb341f9f09bd843b95c717005a46e4a80f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s some haters. There always will be. But that&rsquo;s OK, that&rsquo;s part of who we are too,&rdquo; says John Kay.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Michael Koziol<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;They shipped more ice-cream in and got the electricity repaired,&rdquo; says Sheila. &ldquo;Trump&rsquo;s a builder; he knows how to repair things. What [the media] will do is dote on the negative, and there&rsquo;s so much positive down here.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Her husband, John, concurred. His highlight was the Louisiana stall, which featured an exhibit about his favourite senator, Republican John Kennedy. &ldquo;He is so funny, and so honest.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>As for the fair, John says: &ldquo;Sure, there&rsquo;s some haters. There always will be. But that&rsquo;s OK, that&rsquo;s part of who we are, too. Hopefully, we can get back to talking about our differences instead of just screaming at each other.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Get a note directly from our foreign <\/i><\/b><b><i>correspondents <\/i><\/b><b><i>on what&rsquo;s making headlines around the world. <\/i><\/b><b><i>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/i><\/b><b><i>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><sub>I went to Trump&rsquo;s Great American State Fair. Here&rsquo;s what I discovered<\/sub><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Washington: In case you hadn&rsquo;t heard, America is having a birthday. A big one. And President Donald Trump has a hand in most of the celebrations. One of his signature creations for the country&rsquo;s 250th&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/i-went-to-trumps-great-american-state-fair-heres-what-i-discovered\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;I went to Trump\u2019s Great American State Fair. Here\u2019s what I discovered&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22646,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22645"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22645\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}