Fox News Reporter Claims Packed Fair Amidst Empty Grounds: Reality Check
Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson is under fire for his delusional claims about the Great American State Fair, where attendance figures have plummeted to just over 1,000 on opening night, starkly contrasting Donald Trump's inflated assertion of 45,000 attendees.
Tomlinson has been broadcasting from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where the festivities for the nation’s 250th anniversary kicked off last week. During a segment with Fox Business host Larry Kudlow, he grinned and stated, "Perhaps now that the closing bell is here we’re gonna get more people coming out here," despite clear evidence of empty grounds.
In a bizarre analogy, he compared riding a bull to dealing with Iran, saying, "you’ve gotta hang on to dear life and you never know how it’s gonna go." This was amidst a backdrop of a nearly deserted fairground.
Social media erupted with criticism as users pointed out the stark contrast between Tomlinson's upbeat commentary and the reality of the event. One user remarked, "Peak Fox cope live on the empty National Mall state fair," while another noted, "Total reality denial on camera." The disconnect was palpable as photos and videos circulated showing vast stretches of unoccupied space.
Questions arose about the lack of activity, with one user asking, "Why is the ferris wheel not moving? Is it because they don’t even have enough people to fill that ride?" Another chimed in, questioning the absence of Trump supporters: "Where are the 70M Maga Trump voters? Shouldn’t they all be there?"
Despite the backlash, some users speculated that attendance might improve over the weekend, with one stating, "No one goes to the state fair on a Monday. The weekend is going to be lit."
The fair, organized by the Freedom 250 partnership, has faced significant challenges. Reports indicate that nearly a fifth of state delegations withdrew, and several prominent musical acts pulled out due to the event's partisan nature. Stringent security measures and fencing barriers have also contributed to the poor turnout.
Tomlinson's claims stand in stark contrast to CNN footage and social media clips that show extensive areas of empty lawn and unoccupied seating just prior to the opening ceremonies. The fair commenced on June 25 and will continue through July 10.
