Martina McBride declined to perform at the Freedom 250 fair
29 may 2026 в 19:13
Martina McBride will no longer perform or appear at the Great American State Fair on June 25, 2026. The 59-year-old country singer and songwriter announced her decision a month before the Freedom 250 celebration, accusing it of being «misleading» in its «bipartisan» claims. McBride’s choice raised questions among many fans about whether she considers herself a Democrat, Republican, or independent.
«I want to talk to you and clarify the situation. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25», - McBride wrote on social media on May 28, 2026. «I was offered to perform at a nonpartisan event, but it turned out to be a deception. I asked many questions and was assured that this was a nonpartisan event meant to celebrate all 50 states».
McBride continued: «In my understanding, this was a great way to celebrate the states and bring people together in a way that only music can. I viewed it as a larger version of many fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Even homey. Yesterday, everything started to change, and what we were told is actually not true».
«I have spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real problems», - McBride added. «I have been fortunate to be a voice for those who felt they didn’t have one. It deeply upsets me that any fan who may have been touched by my music might now feel that I am turning my back on the meaning of those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every fan who has reached out to me. I hope to return to D.C. soon».
As mentioned, McBride declined to participate in Freedom 250 because she felt the event did not align with its stated nonpartisanship.
Donald Trump announced his participation in the event as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4.
According to the White House, he «engages all levels of government, the private sector, nonprofit and educational institutions, as well as every citizen of the country to celebrate this historic milestone. To achieve this ambitious goal, we have created a new public-private partnership called Freedom 250».
McBride has never explicitly stated her party affiliation or political views. It is unclear whether she leans toward conservative or liberal perspectives.
Several other artists have also declined to participate in the Great American State Fair Freedom 250, including The Commodores, Young MC, Bret Michaels, and Morris Day and Time
«I want to talk to you and clarify the situation. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25», - McBride wrote on social media on May 28, 2026. «I was offered to perform at a nonpartisan event, but it turned out to be a deception. I asked many questions and was assured that this was a nonpartisan event meant to celebrate all 50 states».
McBride continued: «In my understanding, this was a great way to celebrate the states and bring people together in a way that only music can. I viewed it as a larger version of many fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Even homey. Yesterday, everything started to change, and what we were told is actually not true».
«I have spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real problems», - McBride added. «I have been fortunate to be a voice for those who felt they didn’t have one. It deeply upsets me that any fan who may have been touched by my music might now feel that I am turning my back on the meaning of those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every fan who has reached out to me. I hope to return to D.C. soon».
As mentioned, McBride declined to participate in Freedom 250 because she felt the event did not align with its stated nonpartisanship.
Donald Trump announced his participation in the event as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4.
According to the White House, he «engages all levels of government, the private sector, nonprofit and educational institutions, as well as every citizen of the country to celebrate this historic milestone. To achieve this ambitious goal, we have created a new public-private partnership called Freedom 250».
McBride has never explicitly stated her party affiliation or political views. It is unclear whether she leans toward conservative or liberal perspectives.
Several other artists have also declined to participate in the Great American State Fair Freedom 250, including The Commodores, Young MC, Bret Michaels, and Morris Day and Time
© Puhova Marina
