At least 5 states skip Trump-backed America 250 fair in Washington
Why it matters: The pullouts deepen signs that a national 250th birthday event is splitting along partisan lines.
At least five states have pulled out of the Great American State Fair, a Trump-backed event set to open June 25 on the National Mall as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations. Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Oregon are no longer taking part through official state agencies. Massachusetts, North Carolina and Oregon cited costs, while Oregon also pointed to concern that the fair was becoming more partisan than first presented. Freedom 250, the sponsoring group, said all states and territories would still be represented, including through tourism boards, companies or other organizations. The 16-day fair is planned to feature food from 50 states and six territories, military demonstrations and a 33-meter Ferris wheel.