Media Divided Over Trump's Great American State Fair

As the country approaches its 250th anniversary on Saturday, media outlets shared mixed reactions to the opening of President Trump's Great American State Fair and whether it meets the moment.

The Details: The fair began on June 25 and runs for 16 days. It includes over 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators and civic organizations. According to the Freedom 250 organization, the fair is intended to celebrate "the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth."

'Increases My Pride': The New York Post (Right bias) highlighted Trump's opening speech and his claims that the US was entering its "Golden Age." It focused on MAGA support for the fair and for Trump, and also included spectator praise for the US military. BBC (Center) interviewed attendees who said they enjoyed the state representation, appreciated it showing America's diverse cultures and that it "increase[d] their pride." Breitbart (Right) juxtaposed controversy surrounding the event with praise and celebration from attendees. It cited an NBC (Lean Left) article that quoted several people across the political aisle who said they "didn't feel the atmosphere…had any kind of political tint." OANN (Right) highlighted praise from both Trump and attendees who also said they enjoyed the atmosphere and lack of political content. The National Desk (Right) shared photos from the fair's opening with, what Trump said was, at least 45,000 people in attendance.

'Oddly Sterile': Many outlets on the left described the fair as underwhelming and portrayed it negatively. NPR (Lean Left) noted some positive feedback from attendees, but focused more on controversy surrounding the event. The Washington Post (Lean Left) called it "rushed, simulated and oddly sterile" and said the celebration was missing nostalgia. Other outlets like the Washingtonian (not rated) and The Mirror (Left) said the fair was "bleaker" than expected and "failed to live up to its name." The Atlantic (Left) said "for a president enamored with the gilded and the grand, the exterior of this fair is surprisingly austere." It described the fair as very dystopian-like, writing that it was "outfitted…with visual trappings that many associate with authoritarianism," including banners of Trump and his slogans. Fast Company (Lean Left) said crowds looked "thin" and the fair looked "more like a liminal space."

A Celebration of Trump: Several left-leaning outlets also said that Trump made the fair about himself. The Guardian (Left) said the US's semiquincentennial has become the "latest cue for division, rancour and existential angst" and has become "just another Trump campaign rally." CNN (Lean Left) contextualized Trump's claim the US was "in the golden age" with Trump's 36% approval rating. It suggested the celebration should've instead focused on America's "attempts to honor its founding promise," including "its failings, grasps for redemption and of the journey still to come." Associated Press (Lean Left) said the celebration emulated more of a monarchy leadership than democracy.

A Nation Divided: Some Center-rated outlets emphasized that America's 250th was overshadowed by political division. Reuters (Center) emphasized disapproval among Americans and Trump's "polarizing policies" on immigration, the economy and foreign affairs. To showcase the divide, Reuters paralleled an anti-Trump Democratic voter who felt "unenthusiatic" over the state of the US and a Republican voter who believed "America under Trump is thriving." The Hill (Center) reported that American pride is at a 25-year low.

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