Several States Decline to Participate in Trump's Great American State Fair

Three states—Oregon, Washington, and North Carolina—have declined the Trump administration's invitation to participate in the Great American State Fair, a World's Fair-style event scheduled for June 24 through July 10 on the National Mall to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Pennsylvania is still weighing its decision. All declining states are led by Democratic governors and cited cost considerations as a primary reason, noting they must allocate resources to their own state-level semiquincentennial events. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek additionally pointed to concerns about the event's partisan nature, despite initial presentations suggesting it would be nonpartisan. The Freedom 250 nonprofit organizing the event stated that all 50 states and territories will still be represented through pavilions featuring state-specific attractions, whether curated by governors' offices, tourism boards, or other organizations. The fair will feature state pavilions, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, a replica Alamo for Texas, and other attractions, though the event has faced other challenges, including numerous musical performers withdrawing from associated concerts.