As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 concert series – billed as the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington, DC – is collapsing. Luckily Trump is there to save the whole thing.
After five of the originally announced artists canceled, Trump kindly offered to step in. In a rambling post on Truth Social on Saturday, the president wrote: “I understand that artists are getting a kick out of their performance on Wednesday, so I’m thinking about bringing the number one attraction in the world – the man who draws far larger crowds than Elvis at the height of his career, and without a guitar, the man who loves our country more than anyone else, and the man who some say is the greatest president in history (THE GOAT!): DONALD J. TRUMP – to replace these high-paid, third-rate ‘artists’ and give a big speech that moves the country forward, just as I have done since I became President!”
He continued: “Two years ago, the United States was DEAD. Now we have the ‘HOTTEST’ country in the world. I don’t want so-called ‘artists’ who get way too much money and aren’t happy. I just want to be surrounded by happy people, smart people, successful people, and people who know how to WIN. So I hereby direct my representatives to explore the feasibility of an AMERICA IS BACK rally on Wednesday in Washington, DC, at the same time, at the same place check. Only great patriots invited – it will be a wild and beautiful celebration of America!”
Line-up and first cancellations
The Great American State Fair lineup was announced Wednesday, May 27, by Freedom 250 — the self-described nonpartisan organization that acts as an “official public-private partnership” and “combines efforts to shape the defining presidential moments of this anniversary year.” Martina McBride, Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, Milli Vanilli, the Commodores and Bret Michaels were initially announced as appearing.
But the headwind came quickly. The event was organized by Keith Krach, a Trump confidant – and the artists canceled in droves, saying they had been told that the series was non-partisan. That same evening, Morris Day and the Time denied “rumors” that they would be performing at the event. Day wrote on Instagram: “Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the Great American State Fair.” In the caption, he added: “It’s A No For Me.”
Also on Wednesday evening, Young MC announced via social media that he would not be performing either. The “Bust a Move” rapper told VIBE on Thursday: “I had no idea it was considered a ‘Trump-supported’ event – that was new to me. My thing was always: tell me what the event is, what it’s about, who you are, and then give me a choice whether I want to participate or not. I never had that choice. I was told one thing and then came the bait-and-switch. All the comments I’ve seen from the artists, the canceled, thought it should be a regular show in DC.”
Commodores, McBride, Michaels
The Commodores’ William King confirmed to Rolling Stone by telephone that the group would not be performing. “Our music has always been our voice, and we choose not to publicly affiliate ourselves with any single political party,” the band said in a statement on Instagram. “We support the well-being of all Americans.”
On Thursday, Martina McBride took to social media to “make things clear,” declaring, “I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25.” The singer said she was “presented with the opportunity to perform at a non-partisan event” – but the alleged show turned out to be “misleading”.
On Friday morning, Michaels finally announced that he was also leaving. “When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music – and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hard-working Americans from all walks of life,” he wrote. The show “became something far more divisive than what I agreed to.”
Security concerns and chaos
Michaels also cited unspecified “concerns” for his own safety, that of his crew and that of his fans – “including threats that are completely baseless and unforgivable.” “This is not about politics,” he wrote. “It’s about staying true to what I’ve always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That’s one of the freedoms our veterans have fought for and something I’ve always respected. But as a father, friend and band member, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.”
Meanwhile, C+C Music Factory caused further chaos: member Freedom Williams declared that he was all in – although he also admitted: “I’m not into Trump.” He added: “But the day you assholes tell me what to do is the day I die.” However, Robert Clivillés, one of the Music Factory’s eponymous Cs, distanced himself from Williams’ tirade in an Instagram post. Williams secured the trademark rights to the group name in 2005 and has performed without Clivillés ever since. “Any political, ideological, religious or personal views expressed by Freedom Williams are his own and should not be interpreted as reflecting my views, the views of the estate of David Cole, or the views of the original creators and producers behind C+C Music Factory,” Clivillés told ROLLING STONE.
Milli Vanilli and Vanilla Ice
And then there is a group called Real Milli Vanilli, who said in a statement on social media that they would not be performing. However, Fab Morvan, the group’s remaining face, told Rolling Stone that he will definitely be performing.
“Despite rumors, I will be performing at the Great American State Fair in Washington DC on the National Mall on June 26th as part of the I Love the 90’s Tour,” he said in a statement. “I’m here to entertain and unite people, not to divide them. Let’s celebrate life and music and take a trip down memory lane. I’m honored to be part of the Great American State Fair as it will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with so many other great artists.”
Vanilla Ice also confirmed his participation. His manager, TQ Management, told ROLLING STONE: “Vanilla Ice has a contract and will be performing at the Great American Fair on the National Mall on Friday, June 26th. He is proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! All are welcome to come and celebrate America’s birthday and our freedom!”
A spokesman for Flo Rida did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ROLLING STONE.
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Why does Campino think that sometimes it’s good to just keep your mouth shut? Why does he sometimes feel like a drinks delivery man? He provides the answer in our cover story about the Toten Hosen’s big farewell, exclusively in issue 06/26. And that’s not all: the magazine includes the world exclusive 7-inch single “Always just loved” – on which Sven Regener from Element of Crime also contributed. You can easily order the ROLLING STONE edition here.
