Most of the artists announced earlier this week as performers at the upcoming Great American State Fair have since pulled out of the event, which is one of several planned by Freedom 250, an organization created by the Trump administration to help organize the United States' 250th anniversary celebration.
According to organizers, the two-week fair on the National Mall, which begins June 25, "will unite all 56 U.S. states and territories in a World's Fair-style celebration" featuring "live performances, immersive exhibits, patriotic events, innovation showcases, cultural programs, and family-friendly fun." Each day of the fair will feature a different theme, including "Heritage and Legacy," "American Power," and "MAHA Monday.".
On Wednesday, Freedom 250 organizers unveiled the "first wave" of performers set to perform at the fair, including country singer Martina McBride; rappers Vanilla Ice, Young MC, and Flo Rida; legendary funk-soul group The Commodores; R&B singer Morris Day; '90s hitmakers Bret Michaels and C+C Music Factory; and pop duo Milli Vanilli.
Five of the nine participants subsequently announced that they would not take part.
Here's what each artist had to say.
Martina McBride
«"I'd like to speak with you and clarify the situation," McBride said in a lengthy statement posted on social media Thursday. "I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was offered a speaking engagement at a non-political event, but it turned out to be a scam.".
«"I asked a lot of questions, and I was assured it was a nonpartisan event designed to celebrate the achievements of ALL 50 states," she explained. "Yesterday, things started to change, and what we were told was actually not true.".
Bret Michaels
Former Poison frontman Michaels posted a similar message on Instagram. .
«"When my team was first approached about this opportunity, it was described as a music-infused celebration of our country and a chance to honor our veterans, service members, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life," Michaels wrote. "Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has turned into something far more controversial than what I agreed to participate in.".
«"Concerns have also been raised for the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including completely unfounded and inexcusable threats," Michaels continued. "Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from this performance.".
«"This isn't about politics," he added. "But as a father, friend, and bandmate, I have to take security threats and concerns seriously.".
Young MC
The rapper, best known for his 1989 hit "Bust a Move," said he was withdrawing after learning the event was "backed by Trump.".
«"I informed my agents that I will not be performing at the 250th Anniversary of Freedom event," he wrote on Facebook. "The artists were never informed of any political involvement with the event.".
Young MC, whose real name is Marvin Young, added that he hopes to perform in Washington, D.C., "in the near future at an event that won't be so politically charged.".
Commodores
The legendary funk-soul group announced in a short message on the X website that they will not be performing.
«"Our music has always been our voice, and we have chosen not to publicly identify with any political party," the band stated. "We support improving the lives of all Americans.".
Morris Day and Time
The R&B singer stated on social media that "contrary to rumors," he and his band will not be performing, but did not give a reason.
Milli Vanilli
Singer Jodi Rocco, who along with her twin sister Linda Rocco was one of the original studio vocalists for the band Milli Vanilli, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that neither she nor the other members of the group were offered to perform.
«"My sister and I were shocked to see our name, Milli Vanilli, on the list of performers," Rocco told the publication.
In a subsequent press release, the singers confirmed that they would not be performing, and that anyone using the Milli Vanilli name in the program "should be considered a tribute band.".
Milli Vanilli won a Grammy Award in 1990, but the award was revoked after it was discovered that the duo, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, had merely mimed singing. Pilatus died in 1998 of an accidental drug overdose, leaving Morvan as the sole surviving frontman.
Morvan announced on Thursday that he would perform at the fair.
«"I'm here to entertain and unite people, not divide them," Morvan said. "Let's celebrate life and music and take a journey through history. I'm honored to be part of the Great American State Fair, which will celebrate America's 250th anniversary, along with so many other outstanding artists.".
He added that he was looking forward to the opportunity to «finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live!»
C+C Music Factory
Freedom Williams, the only surviving member of the original C+C Music Factory lineup, posted a lengthy, expletive-filled video on Instagram in which his availability for participation remained unclear.
Vanilla Ice
In a TikTok video posted from the construction site of a residential building, the "Ice Ice Baby" singer said he was "honored to be performing this concert with everyone.".
«"The main thing is to enjoy the wonderful times of 250 years ago, from George Washington to the present day, and all the presidents and everyone in between," he said. "It's a magical event.".
Flo Rida
The "Low" singer has not yet officially commented on his participation in the event, but responded to Instagram comments questioning his involvement with laughing emojis.
What is Freedom 250?
<img alt="
An image of the proposed Great American State Fair.
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A rendering of the proposed Great American State Fair.
(Freedom250/X)
Two weeks into his second term, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House Biscuits Task Force.
In December, the Trump administration announced the creation of Freedom 250, a "national, nonpartisan" group to help plan events for the country's anniversary.
Since then, numerous announcements have emerged detailing events that will take place throughout the year to commemorate the occasion, including the Great American State Fair, an IndyCar speedway that will pass by the White House, and a UFC mixed martial arts tournament on the South Lawn. .
«"Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting Americans around our country's 250th anniversary," Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said in a statement to CBS News amid the cancellation of the fairs. "Freedom 250 is focused on our core celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans—welcoming all who share our goal to commemorate this momentous occasion in a way that inspires and unites America.".