Trump slams performers dropping out of Freedom 250, teases ‘No. 1 attraction’ in world

President Donald Trump took to social media on Saturday to address the growing list of musical acts withdrawing from the Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair. Trump labeled the performers as “third rate artists” while teasing that he may step in to headline the event himself.

A Presidential Pivot

In his social media post, the former president suggested that artists might be suffering from “the yips” ahead of their scheduled Wednesday performances. Trump floated the idea of replacing the departed musicians with a major speech of his own, describing himself as the “Number One Attraction anywhere in the World.” He claimed that he draws larger audiences than Elvis in his prime and expressed interest in rallying the country during the festivities.

The Exodus of Talent

The turmoil surrounding the 16-day celebration continues to mount as Bret Michaels of Poison fame became the fifth act to withdraw on Friday, citing the event as “divisive.” His departure follows a string of cancellations from the event’s initial nine-act lineup, which was designed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a mix of patriotic tributes, innovation showcases, and cultural programming spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument.

Other notable departures reported by 205focus.com include:

• Country music icon Martina McBride, who stated on Thursday that she would not participate.
• Rapper Young MC and funk group Morris Day, who both announced they would not be performing.
• Milli Vanilli singer Jodie Rocco, who clarified to The Associated Press that she, her sister Linda, and other members of the group were never asked to participate and will not be attending.

With more than half of the announced performers now off the bill, the state of the Freedom 250 entertainment lineup remains in flux as the fair approaches.