List of States Snubbing Trump’s Great American State Fair
List of States Snubbing Trump’s Great American State Fair
By Alia Shoaib
News Reporter
Jun 12, 2026 at 10:17 AM EDT
At least seven U.S. states have said they will not participate in President Donald Trump’s “Great American State Fair,” an event tied to celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Officials from Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington have said they will not have a display at the Trump-backed event, which is being staged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., starting June 25. Several state officials cited cost concerns as the reason for not participating, while one said the event was becoming more partisan than initially expected.
The fair was meant to be a unifying centerpiece of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with pavilions from all 50 states and territories showcasing their culture and heritage. But with multiple states now declining to participate, many led by Democratic governors, the event is exposing the political divisions shaping the wider semiquincentennial celebrations.
What Is The Great American State Fair?The Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition held on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. The fair is being organized by Freedom 250, the Trump-aligned nonprofit behind several semiquincentennial events.
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https://www.newsweek.com/list-of-states-snubbing-trumps-great-american-state-fair-12065281It is intended to feature themed pavilions from all 50 states and U.S. territories, alongside entertainment, food exhibits, military displays, and attractions such as a 110-foot Ferris wheel. Some of the proposed pavilions, according to Freedom 250, include a minigolf course for South Carolina, a replica of the Alamo for Texas, a mechanical milking cow for Michigan, and a virtual-reality rodeo experience for Wyoming.
