Several performers have withdrawn from a concert series tied to President Donald Trump’s celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, prompting the president to take a more prominent role in the event by hosting its opening ceremony.
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Organizers of the Great American State Fair announced that Trump will lead the opening ceremony on June 24, ahead of a series of concerts planned on Washington’s National Mall between June 25 and July 10.
The event is being organized by Freedom 250, a White House-backed initiative created by executive order. The group was established as an alternative to celebrations being coordinated by the nonpartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250.
Artists Cite Concerns Over Political Links
The announcement follows the withdrawal of several scheduled performers, including The Commodores, Martina McBride, Morris Day, Bret Michaels and Young MC.
Many of the artists who stepped away said they had not initially understood the political connections of the event.
McBride said she had agreed to perform after being told it was a nonpartisan celebration, but later concluded that description was inaccurate. Young MC made similar remarks, saying organizers had not disclosed political involvement when he accepted the booking. He later described the situation as a "bait-and-switch."
Michaels, who previously appeared on Trump's television show The Celebrity Apprentice and has spoken positively about him in the past, also withdrew. He said the event had become more divisive than the national celebration he believed he had signed up for and added that he and his team had received threats linked to his possible participation.
Trump Responds
Trump dismissed concerns from the departing performers, writing on social media that they were getting "the yips." He also suggested that he could effectively replace them as the event’s main attraction.
Freedom 250 has maintained that its goal is to celebrate the nation rather than advance a political agenda. Spokesperson Rachel Reisner said the organization remains committed to delivering a major public celebration on the National Mall and respects the decisions of artists who choose not to participate.
She said the event would focus on commemorating 250 years of American history, culture and freedom.
Some Performers Remain
Not all artists have withdrawn.
Vanilla Ice, a longtime Trump supporter who has performed at Mar-a-Lago, said he was honoured to take part. Rapper Flo Rida had not publicly announced any change to his participation plans.
The lineup has also attracted attention because of the inclusion of Milli Vanilli. The pop duo famously lost its Grammy Award after it emerged that the group's frontmen had not sung on the recordings released under their name. One of the original vocalists behind the recordings said she was surprised to see Milli Vanilli listed. However, surviving member Fab Morvan is still expected to perform.
Meanwhile, Freedom Williams said he disagrees with Trump politically but intends to perform despite criticism. His involvement has also prompted objections from Robert Clivillés, who said he was not consulted about the appearance and did not endorse it.
Organisers Defend Event
Freedom 250 said artists remain free to decide whether to participate and stressed that the celebration is intended to bring Americans together.
The organization said it remains focused on delivering what it described as a unique national event marking the country's 250th anniversary.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 May 2026
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