The lineup for the Freedom 250 concert series celebrating America’s milestone birthday is continuing to dwindle as artists drop out.
The President Trump-affiliated Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair is a free 16-day festival set to take over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., running from June 25 to July 10.
Although the event was originally described as a patriotic celebration with concerts and military tributes, several artists claimed they were misled and no longer align with its values.
Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and more artists are among those backing out.
Meanwhile, others have doubled down on their upcoming performances and proudly stated they are still part of the lineup.
Country music legend Martina McBride announced she was pulling out of the Freedom 250 concert series on May 28, saying that the event is “misleading.”
“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,” she wrote on Instagram.
The songwriter claimed that she was “assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states,” but that “things started changing” and it became clear to her that was not the case.
“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,” she penned.
“I’ve spent my entire career singing 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,” she added.
“I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon,” McBride concluded.
McBride had been scheduled to perform on June 25, the opening night of the festival.
Bret Michaels also announced his exit from the festival on May 28. The former Poison frontman posted a message on Instagram addressed to all of his “friends and fans.”
“When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” he wrote.
“As the son of a veteran, and coming from a family that has proudly served, that is something I have always been honored to support,” he noted.
Michaels explained that he has spent his “entire career bringing people together through music, positivity and good vibes” and that his shows “have never been about politics.”
“Unfortunately, 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,” he claimed.
“Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
Young MC announced that he would no longer be performing at the festival because he had not originally been informed that the event was “Trump-backed.”
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, Spin magazine describes it as Trump-backed,” the rapper shared via Instagram on May 28.
“I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” he concluded.
Although he did not provide a specific reasoning, Morris Day and The Time confirmed he would not be part of the lineup at Freedom 250 on May 28.
“Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & The Time will not be performing at ‘The Great American State Fair,’” the frontman posted on Instagram.
The Commodores also kept their announcement brief when they backed out of the festival.
“The Commodores will not be performing at the Great American State Fair,” a post from their official Instagram page read.
“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.”
It is currently unclear whether or not Milli Vanilli will be performing at Freedom 250 as band members have voiced differing stances after they were initially announced as part of the lineup.
One of the original studio vocalists behind the group Jodie Rocco told the Associated Press that neither she nor any other member had been asked to appear.
But surviving frontman Fab Morvan confirmed he plans to perform and embraced the event’s patriotic message.
“I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them,” Morvan said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane.”
Although C+C Music Factory is still slated to perform, frontman Freedom Williams said he initially planned to drop out of the show after learning about Trump’s involvement.
In an Instagram Reel, he insisted that he does not support the current president, but decided to go ahead with the gig to show to prove angry fans were were threatening to “cancel” him wrong.
In the explicit upload, Williams condemned those who tried to tell him what concerts he can and can’t perform at.
Despite backlash from fans Vanilla Ice is standing by the event.
A rep for the rapper told the Associated Press he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!”
“Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!” the rep added.
Flo Rida is still set to take the stage at the The Great American State Fair on July 2.
The rapper has yet to speak out on the event as several of his counterparts have dropped out.
Many angry fans have also taken to his Instagram comments asking him to address where he stands politically.
“So you’re gonna perform for Trump?” one wrote. “MAGA Sellout,” another added.
