The Great American State Fair got a little too turbulent in Washington, DC, especially with the recent storm that forced the attendees to take shelter in nearby establishments. Some of the guests, however, went viral. Thousands of alleged MAGA or Trump supporters had to take shelter in the Museum of Black History or the African American History Museum, and the irony was not lost on their critics.
The incident occurred on the 4th of July, of course, in Washington, DC. The video, captured by X user Sami Gold, who was in the area and was trying to evade the storm by staying in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture or the Museum of Black History. Funny enough for him, he was also sharing the space with what he estimated as 5,000 Trump supporters, something he reiterated with, “When I say 5,000 I mean like 5,000.”
While the figure has not been independently verified, the footage accumulated hundreds of thousands of views as users debated the symbolism of the moment. “There’s a message there,” Gold wrote, prompting thousands of replies. Critics responded with quips such as “Mother nature hates MAGA,” while comedian-themed accounts joked that visitors might accidentally “learn something” during their stay.
Others argued the criticism was unfair, pointing out that the museum is a public institution open to all Americans regardless of political affiliation. According to Agence France-Presse, officials ordered an immediate evacuation after lightning struck within several miles of the National Mall and powerful wind gusts moved through the area. Security personnel urged attendees to seek shelter inside nearby federal buildings and Smithsonian museums, while officials warned visitors to leave the open grounds.
People online can’t help but point out the irony
For reference, President Trump has publicly criticized the Smithsonian for what he described as an excessive focus on slavery and other negative aspects of American history. His administration also ordered a review of Smithsonian exhibits, arguing that federally supported museums should avoid what it considered “divisive” or overly negative portrayals of American history. The review included exhibits dealing with slavery, race, immigration, and other topics.
“The irony of Trump supporters having to take shelter in the National Museum of African American History and Culture,” as one X commenter wrote in the replies, with another joking, “Running to Black spaces for protection.” Another commenter claimed that it was some kind of divine intervention for the MAGA supporters, “Part of God’s plan for these people. They should walk around and learn something.”
Such comments have invited arguments from others, where their MAGA presence in a Black history museum was supposedly not odd. “So everyone there was MAGA? Sounds like you’re being a little crazy. Besides are the white not welcome there? Or maybe the black MAGA, are they not allowed?” questioned another X user.
