Democratic States Reject Trump-Linked Great American State Fair Amid Partisan Concerns
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Five states with Democratic leadership have refused to participate in the Great American State Fair, citing budget issues and the event’s increasingly partisan, Trump-associated tone. Organizers insist all states will still be represented, but critics highlight the fair’s lack of transparency and ties to the former president.
At least five states—Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oregon—have announced their refusal to participate in the Great American State Fair, an event scheduled to mark the nation’s 250th birthday on June 25 at the National Mall. All these states are led by Democratic governors, and their withdrawals are attributed to financial constraints and, more importantly, to mounting concerns that the event is morphing into a partisan spectacle with ties to Donald Trump.
"Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the state Capitol in Raleigh on July 4," said Michele Walker, spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, highlighting the state’s commitment to inclusive, community-based celebrations rather than a potentially divisive national event.
Oregon’s spokesperson, Luke Harkins, echoed these sentiments, noting the high cost of participation and expressing "growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented." This reflects broader anxieties about the fair’s direction under Freedom 250, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation, which has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and its connections to the Trump administration.
Despite these withdrawals, Freedom 250 claims that every state and territory will still be represented, whether through governors’ offices, tourism boards, or private organizations. For example, North Carolina will be represented by Spevco, a specialty-vehicle company, rather than an official state delegation.
"Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated, and every American will see themselves in this event," said Rachel Reisner, spokesperson for Freedom 250. However, critics argue that such assurances ring hollow given the fair’s partisan undertones and the withdrawal of some performers after learning of the Trump connection.
Freedom 250 describes itself as nonpartisan and touts its history of cross-party collaboration, but skepticism remains. The fair’s planned attractions include food from all 50 states and six territories, military demonstrations, and a 110-foot Ferris wheel, with festivities scheduled to last 16 days. Yet, for many, the event’s partisan shadow threatens to overshadow its intended celebration of American unity.