local
Trump kicks off the Great American State Fair after musicians pulled out
By Henry J. Gomez | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 6 min read
President Donald Trump treated the kickoff Wednesday to the Great American State Fair as a victory lap for the U.S. — and for himself.
“Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said in a speech on the National Mall. “As you know ...
Key takeaway “Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said in a speech on the National Mall.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Great American State Fair's kickoff in Los Angeles raises questions about the event's potential impact on the local community. With several high-profile musicians pulling out due to concerns about the event's political nature, it remains to be seen how the fair will be received by Angelenos. The fair's organizers, Freedom 250, have billed the event as a nonpartisan celebration of America's 250th birthday, but President Trump's prominent role in the festivities may affect attendance and perception. As the fair continues over the next 16 days, local residents will be watching to see how the event balances its patriotic theme with the diverse perspectives and values of the Los Angeles community. The fair's success will depend on its ability to appeal to a broad range of attendees, from families and tourists to locals who may be skeptical of the event's political overtones.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump treated the kickoff Wednesday to the Great American State Fair as a victory lap for the U.S. — and for himself.
“Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said in a speech on the National Mall. “As you know ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Henry J. Gomez | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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