What if the states learn no one cares about them from overhearing a conversation between DC and some politicians? 

Like throughout the day they noticed some strange interactions between them and their politicans but nothing major

And this just seals the deal 

Just a lot of:

"Why do you care?" 

"Because I'm their government." 

"But they're just states." 

"I'm the government of the United States, their well-being means a lot to me." 

"You can't care about what silly states think." 

"I do." 

"They don't care about you." 

"I know, but they're my people and I care." 

And if any know: 

"You know how embarrassing it is that you're dating five of them? For God's sake the two you think of as parents dumb as shit." 

"I love them. That's all that matters."