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By Gabe Whisnant
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Several artists announced for a major concert series tied to the President Donald Trump-linked Freedom 250 celebration now say they will not be involved, undermining much of the event’s advertised lineup.
The dispute comes just days before the launch of a 16‑day “Great American State Fair” scheduled for the National Mall in Washington.
Organizers say the festival is part of a nationwide effort to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, but early controversy has centered on which musicians actually plan to take the stage. Of the performers featured on the event’s original promotional poster, only two are now understood to still be taking part.
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"Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans—welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America," Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner told Newsweek in an emailed statement.
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List of Named Performers at Freedom 250
Freedom 250, the organization behind the event, announced an initial slate of performers spanning multiple genres and decades. The lineup included Milli Vanilli, Young MC, Vanilla Ice and C+C Music Factory, as well as Morris Day and the Time, the Commodores, Flo Rida and Bret Michaels. Country artist Martina McBride was also among those listed in the first wave of announcements.
The performances are scheduled throughout the event, with highlights including a June 26 “I Love the 90s” concert featuring several nostalgia-era acts.
Freedom 250 described the entertainment lineup as part of a broader celebration showcasing American music alongside cultural exhibits and programming connected to the country’s 250th anniversary.
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Which Artists Have Backed Out of the Event?
Within a day of the lineup being released, several artists publicly rejected their inclusion. Morris Day and the Time posted on social media that they would not perform at the event despite being listed.
Rapper Young MC also said he would not take part, explaining that artists were not made aware of any political affiliation surrounding the concerts and expressing concern about the event being “politically charged.”
Members of pop act Milli Vanilli similarly said they had not been asked to perform. Singer Jodie Rocco told The Associated Press that neither she nor her bandmates had been contacted, calling their inclusion in the lineup a "shock."
Later Thursday, The Commodores announced on social media that they would not perform at the Great American State Fair.
The soul and funk group wrote, "Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans."
McBride, a country music singer, also said in a lengthy post on social media that she would not perform at the National Mall event.
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"I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even," McBride wrote.
Her post continued, "Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening. I've spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn't have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I'm abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon."
Bret Michaels announced in a post to Facebook late on Thursday evening that he will not longer be performing. "What was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
"Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance," Michaels wrote.
Rapper Vanilla Ice has confirmed that he intends to appear, with a representative saying he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”
A source familiar with the event told Newsweek that Freedom 250 concerts are not White House events and are intended to be a nationwide celebration representing all 50 states and six U.S. territories, with participation from major American companies and brands. They added that additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the lineup continues to be finalized.
The source also said the organization is following up with talent to remind them this is not a White House event.
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Who Is Organizing Freedom 250?
Freedom 250 is tied directly to an executive order signed by Trump on January 29, 2025, that created the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to plan and coordinate federal anniversary events.
The administration later launched Freedom 250 as the primary initiative and branding arm associated with those efforts, responsible for organizing major programming tied to the celebration. The group is led by CEO Keith Krach, a former under secretary of state during Trump’s first term, whom the president appointed to oversee the initiative’s activities.
Freedom 250 is distinct from the bipartisan America250 commission, which was originally established by Congress in 2016.
What Is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is a planned 16-day festival running from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall. Organizers describe it as a World’s Fair-style gathering bringing together representatives from all U.S. states and territories.
The event is set to include concerts, cultural displays, military demonstrations and educational programming stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument.
Admission will be free and organizers have promoted the fair as a central feature of nationwide America250 celebrations.
Trump is also hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship card at the White House on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. It also will be Trump's 80th birthday. The event will feature a 5,000-seat arena and octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn.
Update, 05/29/2026, 05:37 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update, 05/29/2026, 08:12 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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