States Opt Out of President Trump’s Great American State Fair

The 16-day fair on the National Mall (June 25–July 10) is run by Freedom 250. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington have declined participation, citing $70-$100 k costs and, for Oregon, partisan concerns.

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The semiquincentennial is overseen by America250, a bipartisan commission. The Trump administration created Freedom 250 under Task Force 250 to stage spectacles, including the fair, a UFC bout, and an IndyCar race. Freedom 250, a National Park Foundation subsidiary, need not disclose donors.

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At least six states declined; Washington also opted out, leaving 44 participants. Costs reported: $70,000 shipping for Oregon, $100,000 for North Carolina’s booth. Freedom 250 secured $68 million; America250 faces a $100 million shortfall.

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Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner called the group “nonpartisan” and said “all 50 states and U.S. territories will be represented,” noting participation can be arranged via governors or tourism boards. State officials highlighted cost constraints and partisan concerns.

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Democratic governors and watchdogs have condemned the fair’s politicization. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey accused the administration of “charging us” to exhibit and of “getting money into his own pocket.” PEER’s Tim Whitehouse called the event “corrupt, non-transparent” and sued for FOIA compliance.

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CNN lists three non-participants (Oregon, Washington, North Carolina); Spotlight PA reports six (adding Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts). Freedom 250 says it does not charge states, yet officials cite $100,000 fees. Exact federal transfers to Freedom 250 remain undisclosed.

USA Today

“The State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented,” — Luke Harkin, spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek

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“We proudly welcome President Trump, who has shown genuine enthusiasm for celebrating America and its patriotic traditions, just as we would have welcomed any sitting president,” — Rachel Reisner, Freedom 250 spokesperson

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“We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we’ve told them all to stay home,” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post

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The fair opens June 25 with a presidential rally after a canceled concert series. A federal judge will rule on PEER’s FOIA suit by June 26, and the White House UFC bout proceeds on June 14.

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