Multiple Artists Withdraw From Freedom 250 'Great American State Fair' Concert Series

A growing number of artists are canceling their appearances at the Great American State Fair concert series, part of the Freedom 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing.

The Trump administration-backed event announced its initial lineup on Wednesday, May 27, for the 16-day festivities. The event is set to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Within days of the announcement, performers began backing out. Morris Day and The Time were among the first to withdraw, followed by a wave of additional cancellations.

Country artist Martina McBride shared her decision to exit the event via Instagram. She explained that she had accepted what was presented as a nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states, envisioning it as similar to state fair performances she had done throughout her career. McBride wrote that she spent time asking questions and received assurances about the event's nonpartisan status before agreeing to participate.

"Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening," McBride stated in her post. She emphasized her career-long commitment to singing about real people and real issues, expressing concern that fans might misinterpret her involvement as contradicting the values her music represents.

Rapper Young MC also announced his withdrawal, stating his agents informed the organizers of his decision. "The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event," Young MC wrote. He noted that despite organizers' claims of nonpartisanship, Spin magazine has described the event as Trump-backed. He expressed hope to perform in Washington, D.C. at a future, less politically charged event.

The Commodores similarly dropped out, releasing a statement that their music has always served as their voice and they choose not to publicly align with any single political party.

Milli Vanilli's participation has become unclear. Original studio vocalists Jodie Rocco and Linda Rocco told The Associated Press they were surprised to see their group's name on the lineup, suggesting uncertainty about whether the group would actually perform.

C + C Music Factory's involvement has also become complicated. While Freedom Williams appeared in an Instagram video initially seeming reluctant to perform due to backlash before suggesting he might continue, founding member Robert Clivilles issued a statement distancing the group from Williams' actions. Clivilles emphasized that C&C Music Factory stands for love and peace globally and neutrality.

Of the nine original performers announced, only three remain confirmed. Bret Michaels, a known Trump supporter, has not publicly addressed his participation and is currently on his Live & Amplified Tour. Flo Rida remains on the lineup and has not publicly spoken against the event, responding with laughing emojis when a social media user questioned his involvement. Vanilla Ice, who previously identified as apolitical, is also still scheduled to perform and was seen at Trump's Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve Party earlier this year.