Trump Replaces Great American State Fair Concert with Rally After Artist Boycotts
President Donald Trump announced he will replace musical performances at the "Great American State Fair" on Washington D.C.'s National Mall with his own rally, after multiple artists—including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, and The Commodores—withdrew, citing the event's misleadingly partisan nature. The fair, part of the "Freedom 250" U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, lost five of nine booked acts. Trump called the performers "Third Rate Artists" and declared himself the main attraction. A counter-event, the "Power To The People Festival," was announced in Maryland.
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Trump's 'Great American State Fair' Faces Widespread State Boycotts and Artist Pullouts
President Donald Trump's 'Great American State Fair,' organized by the Trump-backed Freedom 250 group to celebrate the U.S. 250th birthday, is set to begin a 16-day run on June 26, 2026, but faces significant backlash. At least eight states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—will not send representatives, mostly citing budget constraints or concerns the event has become partisan. Oregon explicitly called it a partisan affair. The boycott follows a wave of music artist cancellations including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, who said the event was misrepresented as nonpartisan. Trump responded by replacing performances with his own rally. Event organizers insist all 50 states will be represented regardless, though Democratic-led states like California and New York are still participating. Critics, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, accuse Trump of using the fair for personal profit.
Forbes - BusinessTrump Announces July 4 Rally at Lincoln Memorial as Freedom 250 Events Face Turmoil
President Donald Trump announced he will host a July 4 rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., calling it 'the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all.' The event will feature military bands, music from his personal playlist, flyovers, and what he claims will be the largest fireworks show in history. This comes as Trump's Freedom 250 group, which organized the administration's 250th anniversary initiative, faces significant setbacks. A planned concert series called the Great American State Fair has lost most of its performers after artists like Young MC, Martina McBride, the Commodores, Morris Day, and Bret Michaels dropped out, citing concerns the event had become partisan. At least eight states have also declined to participate in the state fair. Trump separately confirmed a 'kick off' celebration on June 24 with Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood. Some artists, including Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice, have not withdrawn.
Forbes - BusinessTrump's 250th Anniversary Concert Plan Unravels as Celebrities Withdraw
Donald Trump is struggling to salvage a concert series for America's 250th anniversary, organized by the Trump-backed group Freedom 250 and called the Great American State Fair, after multiple celebrities including Young MC, Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, and the Commodores pulled out. The artists reportedly withdrew after realizing the event was a pro-Trump rally. Trump responded with a tirade on Truth Social, claiming the event does not need singers and will feature Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, and military bands, with himself as the main attraction. The New Republic podcast hosts Greg Sargent and Alex Shephard analyze the situation as emblematic of MAGA's growing cultural toxicity and note that even some MAGA figures have reacted with mockery.
The New RepublicTrump's 250th Anniversary Concert Event Unravels as Celebrities Withdraw
Donald Trump is attempting to salvage the 'Great American State Fair,' a concert series organized by his group Freedom 250 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary on the National Mall. Multiple celebrities, including rapper Young MC, Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, and the Commodores, have pulled out after it became apparent the event was a pro-Trump rally. In response, Trump posted a tirade on Truth Social, claiming the event does not need singers and will feature only Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, and military bands, while referring to himself as a 'fine and highly dignified gentleman.' The New Republic's Alex Shephard analyzes the saga as a farce and a sign of MAGA's growing cultural toxicity, noting that even some MAGA figures have reacted with mockery.
The New RepublicTrump's 250th Anniversary Concert Plan Unravels as Celebrities Withdraw
The New Republic's Daily Blast podcast discusses Donald Trump's failed attempt to organize a concert series for America's 250th anniversary on the National Mall. The event, produced by the Trump-backed group Freedom 250, saw multiple celebrities including Young MC, Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, and the Commodores pull out after the political nature of the pro-Trump rally became apparent. Trump responded with a tirade on Truth Social, claiming the event didn't need singers and would feature Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, and military bands, with himself as the main attraction. The hosts analyze this as a sign of MAGA's growing cultural toxicity and embarrassment, noting that even some MAGA figures have reacted critically.
The New RepublicTrump Cancels Anniversary Concerts After Artist Withdrawals, Declares Himself the Star
US President Donald Trump has canceled the entire concert series planned for the 250th anniversary of the USA, following a wave of artist withdrawals. Several performers, including The Commodores, Bret Michaels, and Fabrice 'Fab' Morvan of Milli Vanilli, pulled out, citing the event's increasingly political nature. Trump, reacting on his Truth Social platform, called the artists 'talentless' and announced a 'largest live rally ever' instead, scheduled from June 25 to July 10 in Washington, D.C. He declared himself 'the number one attraction in the whole world' and said only 'great patriots' are invited. Remaining performers include country singer Lee Greenwood, tenor Christopher Macchio, and US Navy and Army bands. The event was organized by a non-profit linked to Trump's call for anniversary celebrations.
taz.de - taz.deTrump Cancels Anniversary Concerts After Artist Boycotts, Declares Himself the Star
On June 5, 2026, US President Donald Trump canceled the entire concert series planned for the 250th anniversary of the USA after several artists withdrew. The Commodores, Bret Michaels, and Fabrice 'Fab' Morvan (Milli Vanilli) pulled out, citing the event's politicization. Trump, via Truth Social, announced a 'largest live rally ever' in Washington from June 25 to July 10, replacing the concerts. He derided the performers as 'talentless' and 'third-rate,' and declared himself 'the number one attraction in the whole world.' Only country singer Lee Greenwood, tenor Christopher Macchio, and US Navy and Army bands will perform. The event was organized by a non-profit linked to Trump's call for celebrations.
taz.de - taz.deTrump’s 'Great American State Fair' Somehow Gets More Pathetic
President Trump's 'Great American State Fair' event has devolved into a rally featuring 'Ave Maria' and 'God Bless the U.S.A.' after multiple artists, including Martina McBride, pulled out. Trump announced on Truth Social that the June 24th event in Washington D.C. will be a rally with speakers and patriotic music, dismissing the need for 'singers with no talent.' The lineup now includes Christopher Macchio, Lee Greenwood, the U.S. Army Band, and Armed Forces Choir. The article, from The New Republic, characterizes the event as increasingly 'pitiful' and a 'full-on MAGA rally' for America's 250th birthday, suggesting the artist cancellations may have been intentional.
The New RepublicTrump's 'Great American State Fair' Rally Loses Artists, Becomes MAGA Event
President Donald Trump's planned 'Great American State Fair' has devolved into a political rally after multiple musical artists, including Martina McBride, pulled out of the event. Trump announced on Truth Social that the June 24th event in Washington, D.C. will now be a rally featuring himself as the main attraction, along with Christopher Macchio singing 'Ave Maria' and Lee Greenwood performing 'God Bless the U.S.A.' The U.S. Army Band and Armed Forces Choir will also participate. Trump dismissed the absent artists as untalented and overpriced. The New Republic article characterizes the event as increasingly 'pitiful' and a transparent MAGA rally disguised as a 250th birthday celebration for America, with the author expressing hope for rain on the day.
The New RepublicTrump's Great American State Fair Rally Loses Artists, Becomes MAGA Event
President Trump's 'Great American State Fair' has been reduced to a rally featuring Christopher Macchio singing 'Ave Maria' and Lee Greenwood performing 'God Bless the U.S.A.' after multiple artists, including Martina McBride, pulled out of the festival. Trump announced the event on Truth Social, calling it the 'Greatest Rally EVER' and dismissing the departed artists as talentless. The U.S. Army Band and Armed Forces Choir will also perform. The article, published by The New Republic, characterizes the event as increasingly pathetic and a full-on MAGA rally for America's 250th birthday, with the author expressing hope for rain.
The New RepublicTrump Calls for Cancellation of America 250 Concert, Proposes MAGA Rally
President Trump on Saturday called for the cancellation of the concert celebrating America's 250th birthday, following the withdrawal of multiple artists from the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. In a post on Truth Social, Trump proposed replacing the event with a 'giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250,' criticizing the scheduled performers as 'overpriced singers, who nobody...' The article, sourced from The Hill, highlights Trump's direct intervention in the planning of the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, framing it as a political rally rather than a bipartisan concert. The withdrawal of artists and Trump's response underscore ongoing cultural and political divisions surrounding national events.
Just In NewsTrump Slams Dropped Artists, Plans to Replace Concert with Rally
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will replace multiple performers who withdrew from the Freedom 250 concert series, part of the Great American State Fair celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Trump called the dropped artists 'Third Rate' and claimed they got 'the yips,' proposing instead to hold an 'AMERICA IS BACK Rally' featuring himself as the main attraction. The event, organized by a group established through a presidential order, saw a majority of musical acts drop out, including country star Martina McBride, who said she was misled about the event's nonpartisan nature, and Young MC, who claimed artists were not told about political involvement. Trump's announcement drew ridicule from conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who called replacing a concert with a speech 'lame and boring,' and CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who doubted the announcement's authenticity and noted the partisan perception issue.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Slams Dropped Artists, Proposes Replacing Concert with Rally
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will replace multiple musical acts who dropped out of the Freedom 250 concert series, part of the Great American State Fair celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Trump called the departing performers 'Third Rate Artists' and proposed holding an 'AMERICA IS BACK Rally' instead. The event, organized by a group established through presidential order, saw a majority of acts withdraw, including country star Martina McBride, who said she was misled about the event's nonpartisan nature. Young MC also claimed artists were not informed of political involvement. Trump's announcement drew ridicule from conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who called replacing a concert with a speech 'lame and boring,' and CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who initially doubted the post's authenticity. Critics noted the withdrawals stem from concerns over the event's partisan perception.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump to Headline Great American State Fair After Multiple Artists Drop Out
Several musical acts, including Bret Michaels, the Commodores, and Martina McBride, have withdrawn from the 'Great American State Fair,' a celebration of America's 250th anniversary scheduled for June on Washington's National Mall. The artists stated they were misled about the event's nonpartisan nature and its ties to President Donald Trump. In response, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would personally headline the event, with organizers confirming he will kick off the festivities on June 24. The fair, organized by Freedom 250, runs from June 25 to July 10 and includes exhibits, attractions, and performances. Some artists, such as Flo Rida, Fab Morvan, and Vanilla Ice, are still scheduled to perform. Freedom 250 is billed as nonpartisan but was launched by Trump and is led by a former Trump administration appointee.
Fortune | FORTUNETrump Mulls Canceling July 4th Concert Series, Proposes Rally After Artist Boycotts
US President Donald Trump is considering canceling a planned concert series in Washington D.C. marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, after several artists withdrew. On his Truth Social platform, Trump suggested replacing the concerts with a political rally, claiming he is a bigger draw than Elvis Presley. The concerts were part of the Great American State Fair from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall. Artists including Bret Michaels (Poison), The Commodores, and Martina McBride canceled, citing that the event was misrepresented as non-partisan. Other performers like Flo Rida, Fab Morvan, and Vanilla Ice were still scheduled. The White House partnership Freedom 250 did not detail reasons for cancellations, and it remains unclear if replacements will be found or if Trump's rally proposal will be adopted.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump Replaces 'Great American State Fair' Concert With Rally After Multiple Artists Drop Out
President Donald Trump announced he will replace the scheduled music performances at the 'Great American State Fair' with his own rally, after five of nine booked artists dropped out citing political concerns. The event, organized by Freedom 250, lost performers including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, The Commodores, Young MC, and Morris Day and the Time, who said the event was misleadingly described as nonpartisan. Trump posted on Truth Social that he would take the place of 'highly paid, Third Rate Artists' and give a major speech. Remaining performers include Vanilla Ice, who enthusiastically confirmed attendance, and Flo Rida, who has not commented. Members of Milli Vanilli and C+C Music Factory have given mixed signals. The lineup was announced Wednesday but quickly unraveled by Friday, with Michaels also citing security concerns.
Forbes - BusinessTrump Considers Replacing ‘Great American State Fair’ With Rally After Performers Drop Out
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is considering replacing the musical performances at the 'Great American State Fair' with his own rally, after most booked artists dropped out. Trump referred to the performers as 'highly paid, Third Rate Artists' and suggested he would give a major speech instead, touting himself as 'the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World.' The event, also referred to as the 'Freedom 250' concerts, faced cancellations as artists reportedly got 'the yips.' The article, published by Forbes on May 30, 2026, notes this is a developing story.
Forbes - BusinessTrump's 'Great American State Fair' Lineup Crumbles as Artists Drop Out Citing Partisanship
The 'Great American State Fair,' part of the Trump administration's 'Freedom 250' celebrations for the U.S. 250th anniversary, is facing significant artist dropouts. Bret Michaels (Poison) and Martina McBride withdrew, stating the event became divisive and partisan, contrary to initial descriptions. The Commodores also pulled out to avoid political affiliation. Only Vanilla Ice has enthusiastically confirmed his performance, while Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory, and Milli Vanilli have not clearly committed. In response, a counter-event called the 'Power To The People Festival' was announced for October in Maryland, featuring Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and others, with tickets starting at $125.
Forbes - Business