Story perspectives

Eight Democratic States Withdraw from Trump-Framed Fair

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Eight Democratic-led states, including Pennsylvania, withdrew from the Great American State Fair, saying U.S. President Donald Trump framed the event partisan.
Governor Josh Shapiro reported Pennsylvania could not secure a business sponsor two weeks before the fair, after which Senators John Fetterman and Pat McCormick arranged sponsors to staff the pavilion at no taxpayer cost.
Oregon and Connecticut also declined participation, citing high costs and the fair’s overt political tone.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes ordered the National Guard to fire on anti-Vietnam demonstrators at Kent State, killing four students and sparking a student strike that involved more than 4 million participants. The episode reshaped campus-protest policy and is cited as a precedent as 2024 sees Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator John Fetterman and former President Donald Trump confront partisan disputes over state fair sponsorship.

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Story summary

Eight Democratic-led states, including Pennsylvania, withdrew from the Great American State Fair, saying U.S. President Donald Trump framed the event partisan.
Governor Josh Shapiro reported Pennsylvania could not secure a business sponsor two weeks before the fair, after which Senators John Fetterman and Pat McCormick arranged sponsors to staff the pavilion at no taxpayer cost.
Oregon and Connecticut also declined participation, citing high costs and the fair’s overt political tone.

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