These music stars are pulling out of Trump's Freedom 250 concert

Edward Segarra, USA TODAYThu, May 28, 2026 at 4:45 PM UTC

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President Donald Trump's patriotic concert may be hitting some sour notes.

Several artists slated to perform at the Great American State Fair, a 16-day event organized by the president's nonprofit Freedom 250, have reportedly pulled out of the event, according to statements released on social media Wednesday, May 27.

The fair, which is expected to run June 25 through July 10, will transform the National Mall in Washington, D.C., into "the biggest, boldest state fair in the country" in honor of the United States' semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, according to the official Freedom 250 website. Scheduled attractions include a Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as rodeo and livestock competitions.

A lineup of music superstars has also been rounded up to perform, including Martina McBride, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Flo Rida and Bret Michaels.

But some of the fair's performers – Young MC, C+C Music Factory, and Morris Day and the Time – have walked back their involvement with the event.

"I have informed my agents that I will not be performing at the Freedom 250 event," Young MC wrote on Facebook. The "Bust a Move" rapper was scheduled to perform on June 26.

"The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event," Young MC continued. "And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, Spin magazine describes it as 'Trump-backed.' I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged."

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C+C Music Factory frontman Freedom Williams, who was also slated to perform June 26, said on Instagram that he was not informed of the Great American State Fair's affiliation with President Trump when he was booked for the event.

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"[My agent] didn't mention Trump. ... I'm getting all these texts, 'We're going to cancel C+C Music Factory. This is going to be a terrible show,'" Williams said. "So, I told my agent, 'Yeah, no, I ain't good to do that. I don't [support] Trump."

Similarly, Morris Day and The Time withdrew its participation from the fair in a Facebook post, which included a graphic that read, "Contrary to rumor, Morris Day [and] The Time will not be performing at the 'Great American State Fair.'" The funk rock group was scheduled to perform on June 27.

"It’s a no for me😎" the band added in the post's caption.

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USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Young MC, C+C Music Factory, and Morris Day and The Time for additional comment.

In a statement to USA TODAY Thursday, Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said the organization is "dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation's 250th anniversary."

"Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America," Reisner added.

The Great American State Fair is open to the public. While walkups are welcome, attendees can register for free tickets on the Freedom 250 website.

Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump Freedom 250 concert sees cancellations from Young MC, more stars

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