Freedom 250’s fair on National Mall highlights conservative groups
TL;DR
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall, organized by Freedom 250, showcases conservative advocacy groups and celebrates the U.S. 250th anniversary. The event has faced criticism from some Democrats for perceived partisanship and fundraising practices.
Key points
- Freedom 250 organizes the Great American State Fair.
- The fair celebrates the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- Conservative groups are prominently featured at the fair.
- Democrats criticize the event for partisanship.
- Sen. Adam Schiff is probing Freedom 250's fundraising.
Mentioned in this story
The nation’s conservative advocacy groups will be well represented at the Great American State Fair, a two-week-long exposition celebrating the country's 250th anniversary on the National Mall that is blessed by President Donald Trump and his allies.
The fair is organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit set up by the president and his allies to promote the country’s semiquincentennial. Freedom 250 has clashed with — and overshadowed — America250, a bipartisan organization chartered by Congress a decade ago to prepare for the country’s anniversary.
Conservative organizations featured at the fair, according to a release sent on Friday by Freedom 250, include America Prays, a coalition of evangelical and other religious groups that calls for weekly prayer for the United States of America; the American Principles Project, a prominent political advocacy organization; and the Association of Mature American Citizens, which pitches itself as a rival to the AARP.
Joining them is Hillsdale College, a small Christian liberal arts school known for its conservative bent, and Focus on the Family, a prominent anti-LGBTQ+ ministry that describes its mission as one dedicated to fostering “marriages that go the distance, equip parents to raise great kids and put Jesus Christ at the center of homes worldwide.”
Some Democrats have charged that Trump has taken the bipartisanship out of the monumental anniversary. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) in February said that the administration was working to “hijack the country’s 250th anniversary and sell access, hide his donors and rewrite history.” Also in February, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) launched a probe into Freedom 250’s fundraising practices.
The fair will run from June 25 to July 10, “and transform the National Mall into a living showcase of America’s past, present, and future,” organizers announced on Friday.
"PRAY.COM is honored to be participating in the Great American State Fair as an opportunity to connect with people from across the country," Steve Gatena, founder and CEO of Pray.com — one of the lead organizers of America Prays — said in a statement. "Our mission is to grow faith and cultivate community through technology, and we look forward to sharing resources that support prayer, encouragement, and spiritual well-being.”
None of the other organizations immediately responded to requests for comment.
Painter Scott LoBaido, whose website promotes a print of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani blowing up Manhattan, will also be doing live art at the fair, according to the Friday release.
Organizers said more than 100 states and institutions will be represented with booths at the fair. The event is also drawing companies with no specific political affiliation, from C-SPAN to Meta and tractor company John Deere.
"Americans have been arguing at the dinner table for 250 years and somehow still showed up to the same Fourth of July party," Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said in a statement when asked about the conservative groups' participation. "We're not stopping now. The Great American State Fair, July 4 fireworks, the whole spectacular once-in-a-generation 250th anniversary blowout — it's happening, and your neighbor with the opposing bumper sticker is going to be standing right next to you, probably enjoying it just as much. Freedom 250 is a celebration for America — which, last we checked, includes all of it. Every single star on that flag. See you there."
But some states have chosen to sit out. At least six states — Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Oregon — will officially not be sending anyone to the fair, NOTUS reported on Thursday. Freedom 250 is bringing in other institutions from those states, the outlet wrote.
In May, several musical artists dropped out of planned performances at the fair after learning of its ties to Trump, prompting the president to announce plans to hold a political rally instead, scheduled for June 24.
“It will be special at every level — A Rally to end all Rallies!” he wrote on Truth Social last week. “We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we’ve told them all to stay home. All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played, the same Music you have listened to for years!”
Q&A
What is the Great American State Fair organized by Freedom 250?
The Great American State Fair is a two-week exposition celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary, organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit linked to President Trump.
Which conservative groups are participating in the Freedom 250 fair?
Participating groups include America Prays, the American Principles Project, the Association of Mature American Citizens, Hillsdale College, and Focus on the Family.
How has Freedom 250 clashed with America250?
Freedom 250 has overshadowed America250, a bipartisan organization established by Congress to prepare for the anniversary, leading to accusations of partisanship.
What criticisms have Democrats raised about Freedom 250?
Democrats, including Rep. Jared Huffman and Sen. Adam Schiff, have criticized Freedom 250 for allegedly hijacking the anniversary and questioned its fundraising practices.
