Trump to Headline State Fair After Performers Drop Out
Most performers at the Great American State Fair dropped out this week. Trump then said he would headline the opening ceremony on June 24.
The fair runs June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall in Washington. It is a 16-day event marking 250 years of the United States.
A White House-backed group called Freedom 250 is organizing it. Trump posted on Truth Social saying artists had "the yips" — meaning performance anxiety.
Several artists said they left because they were misled about the event being nonpartisan. Martina McBride, Young MC and Bret Michaels were among those who dropped out. But Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida are still set to perform.
Klear Note — The US is marking 250 years since 1776. State fairs are large public events with music, food, and entertainment. The National Mall is Washington DC's main public space.
Key Terms 5
- Great American State Fair A 16-day outdoor event celebrating 250 years of the United States
- Freedom 250 A White House-backed group organizing the US 250th birthday celebrations
- Truth Social Trump's own social media platform
- nonpartisan Not connected to any political party or side
- the yips A phrase meaning sudden loss of confidence or performance anxiety