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At Least Six States Have RSVP’d ‘No’ to Trump’s State Fair

Some states say the Freedom 250 birthday bash is too expensive, too rushed and too politicized. The organizers say every state will be represented at the “once in a generation event.”

Construction on the National Mall facing Capitol Hill.

Participating states are stuck in a confusing battle between two organizations over the funding and ideology. Lillian Bautista/NOTUS

By Sam Fortier, Torrie Herrington and Jenna Monnin

June 11, 2026 05:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump’s big birthday bash for America is hitting more speedbumps, as at least six states plan to sit out the Great American State Fair.

Days after an exodus of musical acts, officials from Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Oregon told NOTUS they won’t officially send a delegation to the 16-day fair, one of the most high-profile celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday this summer.

At least two other states — Pennsylvania and Washington — remain uncommitted just two weeks before the fair is scheduled to open June 25 on the National Mall.