Donald Trump planned a massive birthday concert for America, but almost all the musicians are running away.
Six major musical acts have dropped out of the July Washington D.C. concert after learning the president was behind the event.
It is hard to throw a party when the guests of honor refuse to show up. That is the embarrassing reality facing the White House as plans for America's 250th birthday crumble.
WHAT HAPPENED
President Donald Trump is planning a major concert series on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event, called "Freedom 250," is supposed to celebrate America's 250th birthday from June 25 to July 10.
But the concert is falling apart. Multiple famous musicians say they were tricked into signing up and have now canceled their performances.
Late-night host Bill Maher mocked the situation on his show, Real Time. He joked that it is hard to look good when even Milli Vanilli cancels on you.
What the money/evidence shows
- 6 major acts have pulled out of the concert so far.
- Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and The Commodores are among those who canceled.
- The concert series runs for 16 days, from June 25 to July 10.
- Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida are still scheduled to perform.
- Congress is also planning a special $250 bill featuring Trump's face.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
Why is it so hard to unite the country for a milestone birthday? A 250th anniversary should be a moment where everyone puts politics aside to celebrate.
Instead, even a birthday party has become a political battleground where artists feel they must take sides.
THE OTHER SIDE
Organizers planned the event as a celebration of the country, not a political rally. Country star Martina McBride said she was told the event was strictly nonpartisan. But with the president's heavy involvement, it is easy to see why artists felt misled.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
Regular people attending the National Mall this summer will see a much smaller show than promised. The White House must now find new acts to fill the empty stages.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
Will more artists drop out before the June 25 start date?
- Who actually organized the bookings and misled the performers?
- How much taxpayer money is being spent on this celebration?
Transparency notes
Published: May 30, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.