President Donald Trump’s Great American State Fair is unraveling after six performers abruptly backed out days after Freedom 250 announced the concert lineup.
Young MC and Morris Day & The Time backed out almost immediately after the list of performers was unveiled. Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, and The Commodores have since announced they will not be part of the Freedom 250 festival, which celebrates the 250th birthday June 25-July 10 in Washington, D.C.
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) May 29, 2026
JUST ANNOUNCED: The lineup for The Great American State Fair is here — and it’s bringing the hits. 🇺🇸🎶
Martina McBride, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels …and many more.
16 days. 56 states… pic.twitter.com/DJdypWJl3P
— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) May 27, 2026
Martina McBride took to X Thursday to share a lengthy message intended to “clear the air” about her personal role in the festival.
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,” she wrote.
“I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”
Bret Michaels also cited misinformation in a lengthy statement on his official website.
“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 hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.”
The rocker continued, “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
The Commodores explained the reason for their cancellation Thursday on Instagram.
“Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,” they said.
“We support the betterment of all Americans.”
The latest three cancellations followed the two immediate updates issued by Young MC and Morris Day, noting they would not be participating in the festival.
In a press release shared on Facebook, Milli Vanilli also declared they will not be part of the festival.
“The original/real vocalists of Milli Vanilli, Jodie Rocco, Linda Rocco, Brad Howell, John Davis, and Charles Shaw will NOT be performing their hits live at The Great American State Fair,” they wrote.
“Others using the name ‘Milli Vanilli’ that appear on the advertisement should be considered a tribute band with no association vocally or musically to our sound or songs.”
Young MC told fans, “The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” and went on to explain that “despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed.” The famous artist continued, “I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
Morris Day issued a statement to fans that said, “Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & The Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair.’”
C+C Music Factory vocalist Freedom Williams shared a video rant on Instagram, noting he was not informed of Trump’s affiliation with the event, but said he would honor his performance commitment.
With respect to the Freedom 250 concert, I was neither involved in, consulted regarding, nor have I endorsed the event. Any political, ideological, religious, or personal viewpoints expressed by Freedom Williams are his own and should not be interpreted as reflecting my views.
— Robert Clivilles Official (@ClivillesRobert) May 29, 2026
C+C Music Factory co-creator Robert Clivilles issued his own statement, distancing himself from Williams.
“Any political, ideological, religious, or personal viewpoints expressed by Freedom Williams are his own and should not be interpreted as reflecting my views,” he wrote on X. (RELATED: Young MC, Morris Day Will Not Perform At The Great American State Fair)
It’s unclear if the festival will continue.