Trump-linked Freedom 250th concert series runs into trouble
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Attendees listen to a military band organized by Freedom 250 on May 17, 2026, in Washington, DC. Photo: Graeme Sloan/Getty Images.
Two-thirds of the announced lineup for the Freedom 250 concert series have dropped out, with most artists citing concerns about being tied to an event billed as nonpartisan but described by critics as a MAGA celebration.
Why it matters: President Trump has promoted the nation's 250th birthday events as a grand patriotic affair, but the withdrawals underscore artists' fears of alienating fans amid partisan divides.
- Six scheduled performers — Morris Day, Young MC, Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Milli Vanilli and The Commodores — have withdrawn since the concert lineup was announced Wednesday.
- C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida remain scheduled to perform.
What they're saying: Michaels, McBride and Young MC all cited issues with how the event was presented to them, with McBride going so far as to say the "event ....turned out to be misleading."
- Michaels, who withdrew on Friday, said "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."
- Young MC said he would not participate because "despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed."
- Day also chimed in on Wednesday, writing on Instagram, "It's A No For Me😎."
Catch up quick: The concert series host, Freedom 250, was born out of an initiative the Trump administration announced shortly after taking office.
- The links to the Trump administration have resulted in swift backlash and encouraged critics on social media to claim the celebration is partisan and cheer artists when they drop out.
- Organizers told Axios in an emailed statement that Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan nonprofit hoping to bring together "all 50 states and 6 territories," adding that every state's governor has been invited to attend.
- Despite that mission, the organizers have already carried out some events — such as a mostly-Christian religious service that included guests like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
What they're saying: "We respect the rights of any artist to make their own decisions, and our doors remain open to any performer who wants to be part of honoring 250 years of American freedom, culture, and unity," Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said.
- "There is far too much to celebrate about this great nation to let noise and division distract from the incredible moment ahead — and we look forward to welcoming millions of Americans to a fair that belongs to all Americans."
Worth noting: Freedom Williams, frontman of C+C Music Factory, posted a seven-minute, profanity-laced rant on social media saying he would not perform because he did not realize the event was Trump-backed.
- He later reversed course, saying backlash and critics wouldn't control his decision.
Zoom out: Organizers plan to hold the performances during the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to July 10.
- Vocalists, dancers, crafters and cultural heritage performers are also expected to appear.
Go deeper: Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall
