Less than 48 hours after Freedom 250 revealed the entertainment list for its “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, several announced performers publicly said they would not take part — and President Donald Trump said he would step in.
Trump posted on social media Saturday that he will hold a campaign rally on Wednesday “to take the place of these highly paid, Third Rate ‘Artists,’” and that he would deliver a major speech “rallying the Country forward.”
The departures include Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores. Several of the artists said they were misled about the nature of the event and had been told it was nonpartisan; others cited concerns about safety or the appearance of political affiliation.
Freedom 250, the public-private group organizing the fair for a White House-led Task Force 250, pushed back against claims of partisanship. A spokeswoman said the Great American State Fair is meant to “celebrate all Americans” and that organizers remain open to performers who want to honor 250 years of American history. Freedom 250 is distinct from the congressionally created U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which operates under the America 250 banner.
Several artists said they were assured the event was nonpolitical. McBride said she was told the performance would be nonpartisan and meant to celebrate all 50 states, but later learned otherwise and withdrew. Young MC posted that artists were not informed about political involvement and pointed to reporting that described the event as “Trump-backed.”
Bret Michaels said his team was told the booking would be a patriotic musical celebration honoring veterans, military members, first responders and everyday Americans; he later said the program had “evolved into something much more divisive” and cited threats to fans and crew. The Commodores issued a statement that they do not want to publicly affiliate with any political party.
Other acts have been the subject of disputes over who will represent a group. The status of C+C Music Factory is unclear after performer Freedom Williams posted profanity-laced criticism of the event and suggested he might participate; co-founder Robert Clivillés distanced the group from Williams and said the group would not perform. Milli Vanilli’s name also prompted disagreement: one original vocalist told ABC News they were not contacted and accused surviving member Fab Morvan of using the Milli Vanilli name without the original group’s involvement. Morvan said he plans to perform and is “looking forward” to singing Milli Vanilli songs live.
Not every announced performer has pulled out. Representatives for Vanilla Ice said he remains contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair on Friday, June 26, and that he is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Rapper Flo Rida had not publicly confirmed his plans as of Friday.
Organizers and performers differ on what was communicated during negotiations, and it is not clear what details artists were originally given. The controversy highlights tensions around high-profile anniversary events when organizers, performers and the public perceive political ties. The Great American State Fair remains scheduled to take place on the National Mall as part of nationwide 250th anniversary activities.