5 Artists Quit Freedom 250 Concerts as Trump-Linked Event Draws Misleading Nonpartisan Claims
Updated
Updated · NBC Washington · May 29
5 Artists Quit Freedom 250 Concerts as Trump-Linked Event Draws Misleading Nonpartisan Claims
14 articles · Updated · NBC Washington · May 29
Bret Michaels, the Commodores, Martina McBride, Morris Day and Young MC had all withdrawn by late Thursday from Freedom 250’s National Mall concerts set for June 25-July 10.
Artists said they were told the shows were nonpartisan, then backed out after concluding the Trump-linked event had become politically divisive; Michaels also cited unfounded threats, and McBride called the pitch misleading.
Freedom 250 was launched last year by President Donald Trump and is led by former State Department appointee Keith Krach, though organizers describe it as focused on honoring U.S. history and engaging all Americans.
Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan were still expected to perform Friday morning, even as the pullouts echoed broader entertainment-industry resistance to Trump and recent cancellations tied to his Kennedy Center takeover.
With its lineup collapsing, how will America's 250th birthday fair redefine its celebration?
As performers exit citing division, can a national celebration find a new path to unity?