‘Cancel it’: Trump floats replacement for Freedom 250 concerts after ‘overpriced singers’ back out
"The people that are leaving are Radical Left Deep State Lunatics, who are destroying our Country, and Weaponizing Government."
Mason Reed 
President Donald Trump is pivoting on his plans for the Great American State Fair, suggesting the cancellation of the Freedom 250 concert series following a wave of artist dropouts. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary this summer, the president is proposing a massive shift in the event's programming.
A Rally Over Concerts
Taking to social media over the weekend, Trump wrote, “We should have a giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain. Cancel it ...”
The president’s comments arrive just days after organizers initially announced a “star-studded” lineup for the celebration.
The Wave of Cancellations
The controversy began when artists originally slated for an “I Love the ’90s” show on June 26 began withdrawing from the event. Bret Michaels, the Commodores, and Martina McBride, who were all initially scheduled to perform, dropped out by late Thursday, along with Morris Day and Young MC, according to the Associated Press.
Many of the artists cited concerns regarding the event's political climate. Bret Michaels stated he initially believed the show would honor military members, first responders, and teachers, but ultimately concluded it had become “divisive.” Similarly, Martina McBride shared on Instagram that she had been misled about the nonpartisan nature of the event. The Commodores noted they wanted to avoid public affiliation with any single political party, while Young MC offered a similar sentiment.
Trump's Response
In a follow-up post, the president dismissed the departures and claimed many of the artists were actually “fired.” He framed the cancellations as a positive development, declaring, “The people that are leaving are Radical Left Deep State Lunatics, who are destroying our Country, and Weaponizing Government.”
Trump doubled down on his support for an event focused on his core agenda, stating, “We want people that will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, not people that are trying to destroy our Country.” He concluded by wishing the departing artists well in their future endeavors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
