Country music singer Alexis Wilkins has publicly defended her upcoming performance at the Great American State Fair's opening ceremony, pushing back against allegations that her booking is a result of her relationship with FBI Director Kash Patel. Wilkins, 27, was announced as a performer for the event on the National Mall and has since addressed claims that her participation in the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 rally was due to her connections rather than her own career.
Wilkins stated on social media that she was invited to sing the national anthem independently and is not accepting payment for the engagement. The fair's opening ceremony is part of the lead-up to the nation's 250th birthday celebrations. Wilkins expressed her honor at being asked to perform, emphasizing the significance of singing the anthem at such an event.
The event faced controversy earlier this year when many of its initially booked musical acts withdrew. Performers such as Bret Michaels, The Commodores, and Martina McBride canceled their appearances, with many citing Freedom 250's ties to the Trump administration. In response to the cancellations, President Donald Trump announced he would deliver remarks at the opening ceremony.
Wilkins, who has been dating Patel for approximately three years, has been a vocal critic of those spreading rumors about her booking. She asserted that she has had a years-long career in country music and commentary, and she is pushing back against what she calls a distorted narrative. "People don't get to negate that for clicks or headlines," she stated.
Concerns about Wilkins's relationship with Patel, who is nearly 20 years her senior, have previously surfaced. Reports of them using Patel's government-provided jet for travel have drawn scrutiny, though the FBI has defended the practice, citing security requirements for the director. Wilkins has also faced baseless accusations online, including being labeled a "honeypot," claims she has legally contested. She has previously denied these allegations, noting that during a significant portion of their relationship, Patel was not serving as FBI Director.
The Great American State Fair is scheduled to run from June 25 to July 10, featuring exhibits from all 50 states and six territories. The opening ceremony on Wednesday evening is expected to include a flyover of military aircraft, including F-16s, F-35As, and a B-2 Spirit bomber. Other performers announced for the evening include Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio. A 110-foot Ferris wheel has been installed on the National Mall for the event.