At least three states have said “no” to participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, organized by President Donald Trump.
Officials from the gubernatorial offices of Oregon, Washington, and North Carolina will not be participating in the fair, according to a CNN investigation. The state officials declined Trump administration invitations to participate in and provide input on their state’s exhibits at the fair. Officials from Pennsylvania are still weighing whether or not to participate, according to the report.
Each of these states will still have exhibits in the Great American State Fair, Freedom 250 told the outlet.
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The Great American State Fair is being organized by Freedom 250 – a Trump administration, private-public initiative that is separate from the non-partisan America250 organization under congressional oversight. Freedom 250 is also helping organize the UFC fight in front of the White House this week and a “fan zone” watch party for the FIFA World Cup on the National Mall.
A spokesperson for the Oregon Governor’s office, under Gov. Tina Kotek (D-OR), told CNN that her office declined the invitation “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.”
Though originally billed as a nonpartisan effort, the marketing from the Trump administration caused some big names to back away from the event, including many entertainers slated to perform. After their announcements, Trump declared a new slate of performers to join him for the “rally to end all rallies.” Artists expected to perform include Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio.
All 56 states and territories will still be represented at the event, with Freedom 250 telling the outlet that “whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated.”
Trump is headlining the kickoff event for the Great American State Fair on June 24, which will also include a word from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and performances from Greenwood and Macchio, two of the President’s favorite singers.
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“The Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, food and beverages, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall,” a press release for the event reads.
The fair will be held on the National Mall from June 24 through July 10.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to all four states to confirm their plans.