Trump Orders Review of July 10 'AMERICA IS BACK' Rally as Freedom 250 Artists Quit
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 30
Trump Orders Review of July 10 'AMERICA IS BACK' Rally as Freedom 250 Artists Quit
4 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 30
Trump said he told aides to study holding an "AMERICA IS BACK Rally" in Washington at the same time and place as the Freedom 250 event, and said he may deliver a major speech himself.
At least 5 booked acts — including Young MC, Morris Day, the Commodores, Martina McBride and Bret Michaels — have pulled out, saying they were misled about the event's political ties.
Freedom 250, which is staging a 16-day fair on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, says it is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary.
Some performers are still scheduled, including Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice, Fab Morvan and C+C Music Factory's Freedom Williams, even as organizers have not announced lineup changes.
The dispute lands inside a broader White House push for the 250th anniversary that also includes a South Lawn UFC fight, a Washington Grand Prix and commemorative Trump passports.
How will this concert controversy shape the legacy of America's 250th anniversary celebration?
With the event weeks away, can organizers salvage the celebration after the mass artist exodus?
What was the tipping point causing so many stars to abandon the national anniversary celebration?