Martina McBride Drops Out of Trump's State Fair After ‘Misleading' Promises
Martina McBride announced that she is dropping out of President Donald Trump's Great American State Fair after allegedly being told "misleading" information about the intentions of the event.
"I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading," McBride, 59, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28.
She added, "I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. In my mind, I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even."
The country legend said she quickly changed her mind about taking the stage when it became clear "things started changing." She apologized to her fans who felt betrayed by her decision to take part in the show.
"I've spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues," she continued. "I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn't have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I'm abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon."
She captioned the post, "I immediately knew this had to be what happened. I'm so sorry it was misrepresented but it's no surprise to see you do the right thing 🤍."
Many of McBride's friends and fans quickly took to the comments section to support her decision. "WHEW," fellow singer Jason Isbell wrote, while Ashley McBryde added, "AMEN."
A third person noted, "Martina, you did the right thing and I will always love and support you forever you're amazing 😘❤️ @martinamcbride."
Others, however, were not on board with the "Independence Day" artist's choice to back out. "This is disappointing, Martina. Because you choose not to participate, puts you into the division column. This is when you could shine the brightest," one follower claimed, while another said, "This is the reason why there is such a divide in the US right now."
Another music act, Milli Vanilli, released a statement the same day to distance themselves from the event as well.
"The original/real vocalists of Milli Vanilli, Jodie Rocco, Linda Rocco, Brad Howell, John Davis, and Charles Shaw will NOT be performing their hits live at The Great American State Fair," the statement read. "Others using the name ‘Milli Vanilli' that appeared on the advertisement should be considered a tribute band with no association vocally or musically to our sounds or songs."
Other singers have also dropped out of the 16-day event, which is slated to run from June 25 to July 10 in Washington D.C. and features special guests, speakers and performers as well as attractions such as a Ferris wheel, a carousel and rodeo-style events.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 11:08 PM.