Donald Trump promised that the 250th anniversary celebration of America would be “great” and “unbelievable.” But now, taxpayers are being asked to help cover the costs of a fair that hurt visitors, had many problems, and sold $23 turkey legs.
The Trump administration is asking Congress for an extra $10 million to pay for the costs from this summer’s Freedom 250 events — on top of the $150 million that Republicans had already approved last year.
The administration originally said these events would be partly paid for by private donors.
What did that first $150 million get?
The 16-day Great American State Fair turned into a mess.High heat caused the fair to shut down early during the Independence Day weekend after at least 11 people were hospitalized and many others needed medical help.Visitors faced power outages, a broken Ferris wheel, and extremely high prices — like $20 cheeseburgers, $9 lemonade, and $23 turkey legs.Trump boasted on Truth Social that the fair was “packed to the brim” with 45,000 people, which went against the reports from people who saw the event.
Even the state exhibits were a problem.
States had to pay for their own booths, and when North Carolina refused, private sponsors stepped in.One of them put up a real Confederate flag at America’s birthday party.Governor Josh Stein had to publicly say that the flag didn’t represent the North Carolina he loves.
Now the administration is asking for more money, saying it’s needed for security.
But what security does an event that’s already finished need?
Senator Jeff Merkley doesn’t believe the excuse: “It’s not acceptable to ask the American people to pay for Freedom 250.
Congress already gave $150 million — without input from both parties — with the promise that private donors would help cover the rest.”
Trump wanted a proud, self-promoting show.
Instead, he created a broken carnival that hurt Americans, embarrassed the country, and is now asking taxpayers to cover the cost of his own mistakes.
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