President Donald Trump is set to personally open the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, organizers announced Saturday, as a wave of performer cancellations threatens the 16-day event marking America's 250th anniversary.
Freedom 250 spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez confirmed on X that Trump will kick off the celebration on Wednesday, June 24.
The Great American State Fair is a World's Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth.The Great American State Fair will bring together all states and territories to showcase the very best of America through… pic.twitter.com/AvRDN4Tpdq— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) May 30, 2026 A Stage Without Stars Bret Michaels, lead singer of rock band Poison, became the fifth performer on Friday to withdraw, saying the event lacked the nonpartisan character he expected.
The frontman of Poison, the rock group best known for its working-class anthem "Nothin' But a Good Time," posted on Instagram.
Organizers have not publicly addressed the departures.
