President Donald Trump envisioned the Great American State Fair as a patriotic showcase featuring every state and territory on Washington’s National Mall. But with the event just weeks away, several states are refusing to participate, citing rising costs and concerns that the celebration has become more political than originally advertised.
What was supposed to be one of the centerpiece events marking America’s 250th anniversary is now facing growing resistance from state officials.
According to CNN, Oregon, Washington and North Carolina have all declined invitations to participate in Trump’s “Great American State Fair,” a massive event scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10 in Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania has not yet made a final decision on whether it will take part.
The fair, organized by the Trump aligned nonprofit Freedom 250, was designed as a modern version of a World’s Fair, with each state showcasing its culture, history, tourism attractions and unique identity through elaborate pavilions built on the National Mall.
But as preparations continue, cracks are beginning to emerge.
Officials from the states that declined participation pointed primarily to financial concerns. Oregon officials, for example, said projected costs were significantly higher than expected, including an estimated $70,000 shipping expense. North Carolina officials similarly said their limited resources were better spent on local America 250 celebrations within the state.
Still, money was not the only issue.
Oregon openly expressed concern that the event appeared to be becoming increasingly partisan.
“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,” a spokesperson for Governor Tina Kotek told CNN.
What was marketed as a national celebration of American history is increasingly being viewed by critics as an event closely tied to Trump’s political brand rather than a broadly bipartisan commemoration.
The controversy arrives after several musicians scheduled to perform at the fair withdrew from the event.
Artists including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and others pulled out, citing concerns about the political nature of the celebration. The cancellations became so widespread that Trump publicly suggested replacing musical performances with a major political rally featuring himself instead.
Freedom 250 has pushed back against criticism.
Organizers insist all 50 states and territories will still be represented, even if some governors choose not to participate directly. According to the group, state tourism boards, businesses, cultural organizations and other local institutions may help fill gaps where state governments decline involvement.
The organization has also unveiled plans for elaborate attractions across the fairgrounds.
Renderings include a replica of the Alamo for Texas, a fossil digging station for Montana, an Antelope Canyon experience for Arizona, and numerous state themed exhibits designed to highlight regional culture and history. A 110 foot Ferris wheel, military flyovers, concerts and historical displays are also planned.
Trump himself is expected to play a major role in the festivities.
The president is scheduled to kick off the celebration with an opening ceremony and rally, further fueling criticism from opponents who argue that a national anniversary should not become associated with any single political figure.
Supporters of the event reject that argument.
Freedom 250 notes that presidents have traditionally played prominent roles in major anniversary celebrations throughout American history and argues that Trump’s participation is consistent with that tradition.
Yet the withdrawals highlight a broader challenge facing the anniversary celebrations.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, organizers hoped to create a unifying national event. Instead, debates over politics, funding, transparency and presidential influence are increasingly shaping the conversation.
For now, construction continues on the National Mall, and organizers remain confident the fair will proceed as planned.
But with states pulling out, performers withdrawing and critics questioning its direction, the Great American State Fair is already generating controversy long before the first visitors arrive.
