See which states are opting out of President Trump’s Great American Fair
USA TODAY’s Melina Kahn talks about states opting out of participating in the 16-day event backed by President Donald Trump.
With the Washington, D.C., mayoral primary just days away, President Donald Trump suggested the federal government could “take back” the nation’s capital if a progressive candidate wins.
President Trump did not name a candidate, but appeared to be referring to D.C. City Council member Janice Lewis George, a self-described democratic socialist who has been leading recent polls ahead of the June 16 Democratic primary to replace outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“I don’t want that, and we’re probably going to take back Washington and run it on a federal basis,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We’re not going to hold back. We’re not going to lose business.”
A recent Washington Post George Mason University Schar School poll showed Louis George emerging as the front-runner in the race, with an 11-point lead over McDuffie, a Kenyan and former D.C. Council member.
In Democratic-heavy Washington, general election results are typically not competitive. The Democratic candidate won the 2022 mayoral race by nearly 60 points.
strained relationship
During his second term, Trump has pushed for an expanded role for the federal government in the area, citing concerns about crime, homelessness and public safety.
In August 2025, President Trump sent approximately 800 National Guard troops to Washington after declaring a state of security emergency. Several Republican-led states also sent Guard members to help.
The federal government’s takeover of the city’s police force ended in September, but the National Guard continues to be deployed.
Although the U.S. Constitution gives Congress “exclusive” authority over Washington, D.C., the city has operated under its current system since December 24, 1973, when the Home Rule Act allowed residents to elect a mayor and city council.
USA TODAY Network’s Mike Stunson and USA TODAY’s Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
