With ‘no talent’ acts gone, Trump announces new headliner for kick off of Great American State Fair
There will also be performances from country singer Lee Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio, the U.S. Army Band, Armed Forces Choir, U.S. Marine Band and Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
Ryan Cooper 
President Donald Trump has announced he will headline the kick-off for the Great American State Fair, stepping in as the main attraction following a wave of cancellations from musical acts originally scheduled to perform during the 250th birthday celebration for the United States.
Trump shared on Truth Social that he plans to speak at the opening of the 16-day festival, which runs from June 25 through July 10 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In his announcement, the president billed the June 24 kick-off event as a major rally, declaring, “It will be special at every level — A Rally to end all Rallies!”
Changes to the Lineup
The president addressed the recent departures from the roster, asserting that the performers who pulled out were “singers with no talent” who were told to stay home. Nine acts were initially slated for the event, but at least seven have since withdrawn, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Morris Day and The Time, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, The Commodores, and Fabrice Morvan.
As noted by reports on the situation, these artists collectively voiced concerns that the event had shifted from a non-partisan celebration into something significantly more divisive than originally presented. Bret Michaels stated, “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.”
Event Details and Performers
The Great American State Fair is hosted by the White House in partnership with Freedom 250, a non-profit organization established by executive order, with Donald Trump serving as CEO. While the roster has changed, the festival will still feature performances from country singer Lee Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio, the U.S. Army Band, the Armed Forces Choir, the U.S. Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
According to the Freedom 250 website, attendees can expect daily programming focused on American history, innovation, faith, military service, and the future of the nation, marking a significant milestone in the country's 250-year history.
