Topline
President Donald Trump’s “Great American State Fair” is slated to kick off its 16-day showcase Thursday for the United States’ 250th birthday, though multiple states have backed out of sending representatives—its latest programming snag after a slate of music artists backed out last month.
Key Facts
At least eight states, nearly all of which are led by Democratic governors, will not send representatives to the fair, according to multiple outlets.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are included in the states opting out, with the majority citing budget constraints in their reasoning.
Maine’s tourism office cited scheduling demands “due to the Office’s busy summer season,” according to an ABC affiliate in Maine.
Pennsylvania’s tourism board told The Hill on Monday it was still considering whether it would participate and did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment Tuesday.
All 50 states and U.S. territories will be represented regardless of confirmed or possible absences from representatives, a spokesperson for the event’s Trump-backed organizer, Freedom 250, told multiple outlets.
Crucial Quote
“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,” Oregon spokesperson Luke Harkins told CNN.
Chief Critic
Gov. Maura Healey, D-Mass., told Boston Public Radio that Trump is “too busy with his ‘Great American State Fair’ down there that everybody’s bailing on,” when asked if she would welcome the president to any anniversary celebrations in Massachusetts. Healy accused the president of using the fair to “get money into his own pocket.” She also claimed states were going to be charged to attend the fair, though organizers have denied costs for states to participate.
Surprising Fact
Democratic-led states like California, Colorado and New York will participate in the fair.
Key Background
The Great American State Fair ran into a highly publicized programming obstacle last month after it announced a slate of performances from nine music artists, the majority of whom bowed out, citing various reasons. Country singer Martina McBride said she was initially asked to “perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.” Poison frontman Bret Michaels said his shows have “never been about politics,” but, “Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.” Milli Vanilli was the most outspoken artist who intended to perform, saying, “This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday. Nothing too serious, just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories.” Following the pullouts, Trump said the performances would be replaced by his own rally, saying he did not want performers “that get paid far too much money, who aren’t happy.”
Further Reading
Trump Replaces ‘Great American State Fair’ With Rally—After Performers Drop Out (Forbes)
Only A Few Acts Remain In Trump’s ‘Great American State Fair’—And 1 Isn’t Talking (Forbes)