local
Trump kicks off the Great American State Fair after musicians pulled out
By Henry J. Gomez | NBC News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· 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 San Francisco
As San Francisco residents look on at the Great American State Fair, they may wonder what this event means for their own community. The fair's focus on American pride and celebration of the country's 250th birthday may resonate with some, but others may be concerned about the political undertones of an event backed by the Trump White House. The controversy surrounding the event, including the withdrawal of musical artists, may also spark debate among San Franciscans about the role of politics in public celebrations. Furthermore, the fair's emphasis on American exceptionalism may be at odds with San Francisco's own values of diversity and inclusivity, making for an interesting dynamic as the city's residents watch the event unfold from afar. The city's own celebrations and commemorations may take on a different tone, one that reflects the unique character and priorities of San Francisco.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco 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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Henry J. Gomez | NBC News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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