Donald Trump to headline Freedom 250 Celebration after more than half performers pull out

Donald Trump will now headline the opening of the Freedom 250 celebration in Washington, DC, after more than half of the event’s scheduled musical performers withdrew from the festival amid controversy over its political associations.

According to People, Trump will personally kick off the event on 24 June with a major speech as part of the larger Great American State Fair, a 16-day celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event is scheduled to run from 25 June to 10 July along the National Mall.

The announcement comes after a wave of artist cancellations that significantly disrupted the festival’s original entertainment plans. Performers including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Morris Day and Young MC all pulled out after learning more about the event’s links to Trump and the White House-backed Freedom 250 organisation.

Several artists said they believed they had initially signed on for a nonpartisan celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Michaels later stated that the event had “evolved into something much more divisive”, while others expressed concerns about becoming involved in a political controversy.

Following the cancellations, Trump publicly criticised the departing performers on social media, describing them as “overpriced” and “third-rate artists”. He also floated the idea of cancelling the concert series entirely and replacing it with an “AMERICA IS BACK” rally centred around his own appearance.

Ultimately, organisers confirmed that Trump himself would headline the opening ceremony. Danielle Alvarez, an adviser to Freedom 250, said the president will launch the celebrations with a speech commemorating America’s upcoming semiquincentennial.

The festival was originally expected to feature nine musical acts. After the withdrawals, only a handful of performers remain attached to the event, including Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan.

Freedom 250 was established as part of Trump’s efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The organisation has faced criticism from some lawmakers, historians and performers who argue that a national commemoration should remain politically neutral rather than closely aligned with one political figure.

Despite the controversy, organisers say the broader Great American State Fair will still feature state pavilions, exhibits, rides and attractions stretching from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument. Trump’s appearance is now expected to serve as the centrepiece of the opening festivities.