Massachusetts Declines to Join Trump-Backed Great American State Fair

Massachusetts has turned down the invitation to the White House‑hosted Great American State Fair, opting instead to keep its summer spotlight on local celebrations.

The 16‑day festival will run from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall, featuring state exhibits, musical performances, cultural programming and a Ferris wheel. It is organized by the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday—a public‑private partnership created by an executive order on January 29 2025.

The Task Force is separate from the congressional, non‑partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission, which uses the America 250 brand.

According to Governor Maura Healey’s office, Massachusetts is focusing on its own summer events, including MA250 celebrations, Sail Boston, expanded July 4 festivities and World Cup activities. “Our priority is making sure residents and visitors experience the history, culture, and community that make Massachusetts the birthplace of the American Revolution,” the office said.

The state joins Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, North Carolina and Washington in opting out. Several states have cited a cost of at least $100 000 for participation, while others have expressed concern that the festival has become too partisan.

Freedom 250 has received at least $68 million in federal funds, according to national reports, while the America 250 commission has received far less. The Trump administration has directed the bulk of its funding to Freedom 250, leaving the non‑partisan commission underfunded.

The Fair’s concert lineup has also been affected. Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Commodores withdrew after the festival’s schedule was announced. In their place, the president announced an opening rally featuring Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and military bands.

Healey criticized the event’s financial model. “This guy tries to get money into his pocket any which way. He invited all the states to participate and wants to charge us to go down and put something on his exhibit… it’s just ridiculous. This is taxpayer money,” she said during a WGBH interview.

The Great American State Fair is one of several events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Other celebrations include the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall, and the Times Square Ball drop.

The decision by Massachusetts and other Democratic‑controlled states reflects broader criticism of Freedom 250’s politicization and fundraising practices. Critics argue that the event’s branding and funding structure favor the Trump administration and its supporters.

Organizers have said the event will showcase the diversity of the United States, but the lack of participation from several states may limit the breadth of representation.

As the 250th anniversary approaches, the United States will continue to host a mix of events organized by both the Freedom 250 Task Force and the America 250 commission. The outcome of the Great American State Fair will be a barometer of how the two groups navigate the balance between celebration and politics.

For now, Massachusetts remains committed to its own summer programming and has declined to join the National Mall festival.