Trump cancels US 250th birthday concerts after artists pull out, replacing with Washington rally
President Donald Trump has cancelled musical performances for America's semiquincentennial after a wave of artist dropouts, instead inviting supporters to a mass rally in Washington on 24 June.
From concerts to rally
President Trump scrapped the planned concert series for the United States' 250th anniversary after several artists withdrew, citing the event's politicisation. Country singer Martina McBride, former Poison frontman Bret Michaels, rapper Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, the Commodores, and Fabrice Morvan (ex-Milli Vanilli) were among those who pulled out. Only Vanilla Ice publicly said he would still perform, while Flo Rida and C+C Music Factory made no statement. Trump reacted on Truth Social, calling the departing acts untalented and overpriced.
We don't want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we've told them all to stay home.
He then announced a replacement event: a rally on the National Mall on 24 June at 7 p.m. local time, billed as "the Greatest Rally, EVER!" and "A Rally to end all Rallies!". Trump declared himself the main attraction.
The Number One Attraction in the World is me.
Politicisation concerns
Two bodies are organising the birthday events. America250 was set up by Congress ten years ago to plan non‑partisan celebrations; it has received $150 million in federal funds. Freedom 250, created by Trump as a public‑private partnership, is also spending millions. Artists who pulled out said they had believed the concerts were non‑partisan. McBride’s team stated she was assured the event was bipartisan; Michaels said he had agreed to perform at something “less divisive”. The involvement of Freedom 250 led to accusations the celebrations were becoming a MAGA rally.
What else is on the programme
The concert cancellations are not the only controversy‑tinged item. An Ultimate Fighting Championship bout is scheduled for 14 June – Trump’s 80th birthday – in a specially built arena on the White House lawn. Organisers have also promised a large fireworks display. The rally on 24 June will feature Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the USA”, tenor Christopher Macchio singing “Nessun Dorma” and “Hallelujah”, and the US Army Band and Marine Band with the Armed Forces Choir.
It will be special at every level – A Rally to end all Rallies!
- Congress establishes the non‑partisan America250 to plan the semiquincentennial.
- Artists begin withdrawing from Freedom 250 concerts, citing politicisation.
- Trump cancels the concert series and announces a rally on Truth Social.
- UFC fight scheduled on the White House lawn, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday.
- Trump's 'Rally to end all Rallies' takes place in Washington, D.C.
Political backdrop
The splash comes at a low point in Trump’s popularity, with the war in Iran and rising petrol prices weighing on his approval rating, according to Bloomberg. The president’s framing of the 250th anniversary through a personal, partisan lens has drawn scrutiny from media and the public.
