The Great American State Fair is now underway on the National Mall, but photos and videos from the site have sparked confusion online after some visitors claimed the buildings looked as though they had been covered with stapled-on sheets.
The 16-day event, which runs from June 25 through July 10, is part of the broader push to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. Organizers have described it as a World’s Fair-style celebration featuring pavilions for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, along with attractions such as a Ferris wheel, rodeo demonstrations, food vendors and other displays.
The event comes just days after Donald Trump addressed the country ahead of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Speaking near the Washington Monument, the president said the festivities would be followed by major prosperity and framed the milestone as a turning point for the nation.
“Tonight, as we stand on the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” the president said.
“A short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world, we’re respected by everybody,” said Trump of the US’s birthday and future.
But online attention quickly shifted from the patriotic messaging to the event’s appearance, with critics mocking what they saw as a budget-looking design.
Others, however, argued that the structures were always intended to be temporary and decorative rather than permanent replicas. Reuters reported that the pavilions on the Mall are temporary installations, even as Trump has also backed more permanent-looking projects in Washington, including a proposed triumphal arch.
Guys, these buildings at the Great American State Fair are just covered in printed sheets that are literally stapled on🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/xJsijYyJRQ
— Anarc-y princess (@SatireAP) June 29, 2026
The discussion took off after an X user shared footage from the fair, zooming in on white facades that appeared to be printed material attached to box-shaped frames.
The user wrote alongside a close-up of both the Arch and another building: “Guys, these buildings at the Great American State Fair are just covered in printed sheets that are literally stapled on.”
Reaction was swift, with some people ridiculing the presentation.
To this, one person wrote: “This is some janky ass, India level shit right here. Donald Trump is an all time embarrassment. Christ.”
Another said: “The Willy Wonka Experience has better quality.”
Not everyone agreed with the criticism, though, and several users pushed back.
“Lmao! They’re temporary, one-time use structures. Did you expect them to be made of marble? You libtards will latch on to anything to keep from losing on real issues like crime, immigration, or the economy. MAGA!,” a user quipped.
Another suggested: “It looks cheap and bad but I do think it’s a throw back to old worlds fair style facades.”
Someone else seethed: “It’s a f****** fair, what do you expect? Jesus Christ you guys need help.”
One other wrote: “Local liberal shocked to discover the temporary structures for the 3-week-long fair are temporary.”
The Great American State Fair was launched as part of the White House’s yearlong America 250 effort. Federal budget documents indicate $150 million was requested for semiquincentennial-related activities, and the administration has promoted July 4, 2026, as the centerpiece of the celebration.
Trump has also said that July 4 will feature ‘the greatest show of all’, with plans for 860,000 fireworks to be launched.