A new DISASTER at Trump’s Great American State Fair

Brian Tyler Cohen examines the troubled rollout of Donald Trump's Great American State Fair, a celebration of America's 250th birthday funded with $68 million in taxpayer money. The event has faced multiple setbacks including anemic attendance, extreme heat conditions forcing postponements, and facilities lacking air conditioning that resulted in attendees requiring medical treatment for heat-related illness. Cohen reports that substantial taxpayer funds are being paid to Event Strategies Incorporated, a company run by Trump allies that previously organized the January 6 Ellipse Rally. The firm has declined to disclose the exact amount of money it is receiving, though it later claimed a 3.5% profit margin. A new report by Congressman Jared Huffman alleges that donors to the event were misled about where their contributions were going. Cohen draws parallels between the fair's operations and broader Trump administration practices, highlighting what he characterizes as a pattern of no-bid contracts going to Trump loyalists regardless of qualifications. He cites additional examples including a $1.7 million no-bid contract for water purification awarded to John Cafaro, a Trump neighbor and convicted felon who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a member of Congress. Cohen argues the event represents not a genuine celebration but rather a financial transaction designed to reward Trump allies with taxpayer money, calling it emblematic of corruption within the Trump administration and MAGA movement.

• Trump's Great American State Fair is using $68 million in taxpayer funds, with payments going to Event Strategies Incorporated, the company that organized the January 6 Ellipse Rally.
• Event Strategies Incorporated declined to disclose how much money it is receiving from taxpayer funds for organizing the fair, later claiming only a 3.5% profit margin.
• Congressman Jared Huffman released a report alleging that donors to the Trump celebration event were misled about where their contributions were actually going.
• The state fair has faced multiple problems including poor attendance, extreme heat without adequate air conditioning, and attendees requiring medical treatment for heat-related illness.
• A $1.7 million no-bid contract for water purification was awarded to John Cafaro, a Trump neighbor who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a member of Congress.
• Cohen argues the event exemplifies a pattern of Trump awarding no-bid contracts to loyalists based on allegiance rather than qualifications or ability to perform work.
• The fair's substandard facilities include a malfunctioning ferris wheel, deteriorating structures held together with sealant, and indoor booths lacking air conditioning despite sweltering temperatures.