A spokesperson for Freedom 250 has responded after several artists withdrew from concerts tied to the Great American State Fair, saying the event is meant to honor the United States ahead of its 250th anniversary rather than serve a political agenda. Julia Friedland made the comments during a Friday, May 29, appearance on DC News Now’s Sunrise on the Hill, where she said the focus of the celebration is on Americans coming together to mark the country’s milestone birthday.
The Great American State Fair is planned as a 16-day event in Washington, D.C., with activities including Independence Day celebrations on July 4, parades, exhibitions and a UFC event at the White House. Freedom 250 concerts are being promoted as nonpartisan, but the event has drawn scrutiny because its website features images of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. The group also lists the White House and several federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security and War, as founding government members, while companies such as Palantir, UFC and Oracle are identified as sponsors.
The controversy intensified after multiple performers pulled out of the music lineup. Country singer Martina McBride and rock musician Bret Michaels were among those who withdrew, citing concerns over the event’s direction and association with Trump. Michaels said the concert had become “much more divisive” than what he had agreed to join and noted safety concerns involving threats directed at him, his family, crew and fans. McBride also said she had been told she was being booked for a nonpartisan event, but later felt that description was misleading.
Friedland pushed back on the criticism, saying the festival is intended to celebrate the country’s history and future, not partisan politics. She said the event is being presented the same way to people across the country: as a free public birthday celebration for America’s 250th year. She also said sponsors and organizers are preparing family-friendly attractions, including a FIFA Fan Zone and activations from companies such as Northrop Grumman and John Deere.
When asked whether the artists knew about the event’s ties to the Trump administration when they were booked, Friedland said she could not speak to individual negotiations. She maintained, however, that there is nothing political about celebrating 250 years of America and argued that the event should be viewed as a national occasion open to everyone.
She added that the festival will include military bands, military ensembles, orchestras and representatives from every state and U.S. territory to showcase local culture. More performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and days, she said.
Despite the cancellations, not every artist has withdrawn. Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli remain scheduled to perform as part of the Freedom 250 music festival.
