NPR News: 07-03-2026 6PM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Ryland Barton· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. In the nation's capital, the great American State Fair shut down earlier today. It was simply too hot. It reopened this evening, even though the temperature's still hovering around a hundred degrees. And tomorrow, President Trump will ring in the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the US at the State Fair. As NPR's Frank Langfitt reports, the event is getting mixed reviews.

Frank Langfitt0:38

[upbeat music] Many at the fair are Trump supporters and like the event. Joni Lieberman, flew in from California, enjoyed the exhibits from different states.

Joni Lieberman· Soundbite0:47

It's a privilege to live in this country, and then to be able to celebrate it in such a great way. I just-- I wanted to be in the middle of it.

Frank Langfitt0:55

Others see the fair as an extension of Trump. There's a tent promoting Trump investment accounts and a Faith and Family Pavilion filled with conservative Christian groups. Robert Chase teaches history at Stony Brook University.

Robert Chase· Soundbite1:06

I think Donald Trump has tried to associate himself with this event and to associate dislike with him with dissent and unpatriotic acts. That's kind of problematic.

Frank Langfitt1:18

Chase says that's one reason why attendance at the fair has been so thin. Frank Langfitt, NPR News, Washington.

Ryland Barton· Host1:24

The executive power of the presidency has grown exponentially under President Trump, often with the blessing of federal