The government of Puerto Rico allocated $272,891 to participate in the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair, a celebration of US independence organized by the Trump administration. The event, held in Washington D.C., featured pavilions from each of the 50 states and some territories, showcasing their unique attributes. At least 10 states, all with Democratic governors, declined to participate due to the cost and perceived partisanship of the event.
In contrast, Puerto Rico’s pavilion was staffed by at least 21 public employees from various government agencies, including Gabriella Boffelli, executive director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), and César Marín Massini, director of Public Relations at PRFAA. The participation of Puerto Rico and other territories was confirmed by the Tourism Company and the Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI).