List of Performers Not Appearing at Trump-backed Freedom 250 Event
Several artists announced for a major concert series tied to the President Donald Trump-linked Freedom 250 celebration have denied involvement, raising questions about the accuracy of the event's lineup.
The dispute comes just days before the launch of a 16‑day "Great American State Fair" scheduled for the National Mall in Washington.
Organizers say the festival is part of a nationwide effort to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, but early controversy has centered on which musicians actually plan to take the stage.
List of Named Performers at Freedom 250
Freedom 250, the organization behind the event, announced an initial slate of performers spanning multiple genres and decades. The lineup included Milli Vanilli, Young MC, Vanilla Ice and C+C Music Factory, as well as Morris Day and the Time, the Commodores, Flo Rida and Bret Michaels. Country artist Martina McBride was also among those listed in the first wave of announcements.
The performances are scheduled throughout the event, with highlights including a June 26 "I Love the 90s" concert featuring several nostalgia-era acts.
Freedom 250 described the entertainment lineup as part of a broader celebration showcasing American music alongside cultural exhibits and programming connected to the country's 250th anniversary.
Which Artists Have Backed Out of the Event?
Within a day of the lineup being released, several artists publicly rejected their inclusion. Morris Day and the Time posted on social media that they would not perform at the event despite being listed.
Young MC also said he would not take part, explaining that artists were not made aware of any political affiliation surrounding the concerts and expressing concern about the event being "politically charged."
Members of Milli Vanilli similarly said they had not been asked to perform. Singer Jodie Rocco told The Associated Press that neither she nor her bandmates had been contacted, calling their inclusion in the lineup a “shock.”
Vanilla Ice has confirmed that he intends to appear, with a representative saying he is "proud to help celebrate America's 250th anniversary."
Organizers have not publicly addressed the discrepancies between the announced lineup and the artists who have disputed their participation.
Newsweek has reached out to Freedom 250 via email on Thursday afternoon for comment.
Who Is Organizing Freedom 250?
Freedom 250 is tied directly to an executive order signed by Trump on January 29, 2025, that created the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday to plan and coordinate federal anniversary events.
The administration later launched Freedom 250 as the primary initiative and branding arm associated with those efforts, responsible for organizing major programming tied to the celebration. The group is led by CEO Keith Krach, a former under secretary of state during Trump's first term, whom the president appointed to oversee the initiative's activities.
Freedom 250 is distinct from the bipartisan America250 commission, which was originally established by Congress in 2016.
What Is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is a planned 16-day festival running from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall. Organizers describe it as a World's Fair-style gathering bringing together representatives from all U.S. states and territories.
The event is set to include concerts, cultural displays, military demonstrations and educational programming stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument.
Admission will be free and organizers have promoted the fair as a central feature of nationwide America250 celebrations.
Trump is also hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship card at the White House on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. It also will be Trump’s 80th birthday. The event will feature a 5,000-seat arena and octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 2:40 PM.