Story perspectives

Country Stars Quit Fair Over Trump-Centric Freedom 250 Funding

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Martina McBride and six performers withdrew from State Fair on the Mall after learning Freedom 250 organized it, which was not nonpartisan.
Congress allocated $150 million for the anniversary, giving Freedom 250 $100 million and America250 $25 million.
Artists said organizers promised a nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states, yet they later called it a Trump-focused event.
MAGA supporters attacked the artists on social media, labeling them ‘woke’ and threatening a fair boycott.

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Story summary

Martina McBride and six performers withdrew from State Fair on the Mall after learning Freedom 250 organized it, which was not nonpartisan.
Congress allocated $150 million for the anniversary, giving Freedom 250 $100 million and America250 $25 million.
Artists said organizers promised a nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states, yet they later called it a Trump-focused event.
MAGA supporters attacked the artists on social media, labeling them ‘woke’ and threatening a fair boycott.