"Whatever You Say," Martina.
Country star Martina McBride is catching hell from furious fans after seemingly caving to the woke mob and bailing on the Great American State Fair—a major Freedom 250 event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall.
Why? Because it's too political. An event celebrating the anniversary of the greatest nation on the planet is too political.
She's ... Wrong again.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, McBride claimed she was “misled” into believing the June 25th concert would be a wholesome, nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states, only to pull out once the details became clear.
"I would like to talk to you and clear the air," she announced. "I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event, but that turned out to be misleading."
McBride went on to say she's "been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one," adding that she is saddened that "any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs."
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) May 29, 2026
Start Your Weekend Right With Some Great Songs About Trees
Now, McBride has a bit of a point: the Great American State Fair was organized by Freedom 250—a Trump-initiated and Trump-aligned group—which is distinct from the official, congressionally mandated America250 commission, which was designed to be explicitly bipartisan and nonpartisan.
That said, the fair boasts that it will feature state pavilions from all 50 states/territories, exhibits, rides, food, and performances, framed as a wholesome, all-American "state fair" celebration of community, culture, innovation, and patriotism. Not much harm in that, one would think. Certainly something the "Blessed" singer could perform at with pride.
McBride also stepped on a rake here, having performed for former President Bill Clinton in 1999 and in front of Barack Obama at the White House in 2009 for a Stevie Wonder tribute. Wait, she was able to separate the event host from the honoree for previous events, but is unable to do so for the Great American State Fair?
Critics piled on, wondering if the four-time Female Vocalist of the Year was caving to outside pressure. From fans who think that performing at an event even vaguely tied to the current President was going to "destroy her legacy."
Her post on X got ratioed into oblivion.
"If we had cowards like you 250 years ago, we would still be a British colony," one fan wrote.
Another wondered, "How is celebrating America 'partisan'?"
Talk show host Joe Pagliarulo urged her not to cave: "Martina -- don't let people bully you. This is the 250th anniversary of our great land. 250 years from now, those who perform to celebrate it will be remembered. To me, this seems like a great opportunity."
🚨 Martina McBride says she WON’T perform for America’s 250th celebration because Trump is President and she doesn’t want to be ‘political.’
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) May 29, 2026
Meanwhile,
Here she is performing at the White House for President Obama.
Another hypocritical fraud pic.twitter.com/zZ57Spy006
Whatever happened to artists who stood for their own work? Willing to say their songs derive emotions and feelings that would work well in a celebration of America.
Where is the old Martina McBride?
That performance was incredible. And it wasn't partisan in any way.
Editor's Note: Do you enjoy RedState's conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member