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The Freedom 250 festivities are not unfolding as anticipated. Numerous performers are withdrawing from the Great American State Fair because the occasion has failed to maintain its non-political stance. This event is slated to occur approximately one month from now, preceding July 4th, in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Discover below which prominent musicians, including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, have withdrawn from the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair lineup.
Martina McBride
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— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) May 29, 2026
“I wish to speak with you and set the record straight. I will not be appearing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th,” McBride stated in a social media declaration. “I was offered the chance to perform at an apolitical event, but this turned out to be misleading. I posed numerous questions and was assured it was a non-partisan gathering intended to celebrate ALL 50 states.”
McBride elaborated, “In my view, I believed this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the states and also to unite people in the way that only music can. I saw it as merely a larger version of the many state fairs I’ve performed at throughout the years, celebrating community and what makes each state distinctive. Sounds enjoyable, correct? Wholesome, even. Yesterday, circumstances began to shift, and what we were informed is, in fact, not what is transpiring.”
“I have dedicated my entire career to performing songs about authentic individuals facing genuine challenges,” McBride added. “I have been fortunate enough to lend my voice to those who felt they lacked one. It deeply troubles me that any fan who may have been moved by my music might now feel I am disavowing the sentiment behind those songs. I assure you, this is not the case. I am grateful for every fan who has reached out. I hope to return to the DC area very soon.”
Bret Michaels
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“When this opportunity was initially presented to my team, it was described as a tribute to our nation through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military personnel, first responders, educators, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” Michael wrote in an Instagram statement. “Regrettably, what was presented to us as a national celebration has transformed into something far more divisive than what I consented to be involved with.”
The rock artist further noted that “concerns have also emerged regarding the security of my fans, band members, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are entirely baseless and unacceptable. Consequently, I have made the difficult choice to withdraw from this performance.”
Young MC
“I HAVE INFORMED MY REPRESENTATIVES THAT I WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT,” Young MC declared in a Facebook post, adding, “The artists were never apprised of any political affiliation with the event.”
The rapper continued, “And despite the organizers’ assertions that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine characterizes it as ‘Trump-backed.’ I anticipate performing in D.C. in the near future at an event that is less politically charged.”
C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory vocalist Freedom Williams stated in a video message that he instructed his agent to remove him from the event, as he had not been informed of its political ties.
“He didn’t mention Trump. I’m receiving numerous messages, ‘We’re going to boycott C+C Music Factory, this is going to be a disastrous show,’” Williams highlighted in his video post. “So I told my agent, yes, absolutely not, I am not comfortable doing that. … I have no dealings with Trump. I don’t care about Trump. I am aware of the kind of chaos he fosters. But the moment you people dictate my actions is the moment I cease to exist.”