Trump’s Great American State Fair Faces Confederate Flag Controversy And Sparse Crowds
Key takeaways
- Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland acknowledged the electrical issues to the Post, saying the fair experienced “power hiccups.”
- Friday’s installment of the fair was shuttered hours early by rain, according to USA Today, with Saturday’s programming possibly in jeopardy as showers are “likely” alongside a “possible” thunderstorm after 4 p.m.
- The fair‘s programming includes rodeo and music performances, movie screenings, photo opportunities and a variety of food.
Topline The Great American State Fair kicked off its 16-day run this week on the National Mall in Washington, though the Trump-backed event marking the United States' 250th birthday has faced a slow start amid sparse crowds, power outages and controversy over the appearance of the Confederate flag.
An aerial view of the National Mall on the first day of the “Great American State Fair” on June 25, 2026 in Washington, DC.Photo by Win Mc Namee/Getty Images Key Facts Crowds arrived in small numbers, according to multiple outlets, with The Washington Post reporting the opening-day crowds were “relatively sparse compared with past National Mall events.”
Power outages impacted some of the fair’s offerings, resulting in melted ice cream, disruptions to the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel and a shut down of West Virginia's booth, which experienced air conditioning issues, USA Today reported.