Country Legend Cancels Washington, D.C. Concert Over Alleged Misleading Political Ties
Martina McBride has withdrawn from the Great American State Fair after saying she was misled about the event’s political ties. The country star, 59, had previously been listed on the lineup for the 16-day expo planned for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from late June through mid-July, with a performance date of June 25 tied to America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
McBride said she believed she had accepted an invitation to perform at a nonpartisan event meant to honor all 50 states. In a social media post on Thursday, May 28, she said she had asked many questions before agreeing and was assured the show would be focused on unity, community and music. She later concluded that the event was not what it had been described to be and announced that she would not participate.
The Great American State Fair is being organized by Freedom 250, which describes itself as nonpartisan. However, the group’s CEO, Keith Krach, was appointed by Donald Trump and has publicly referred to the event as part of Trump’s vision for Freedom 250. A statement on Krach’s website says he is grateful to Trump for the opportunity to carry out that vision, adding to the concerns McBride cited in explaining her decision.
In her statement, McBride said she wanted to “clear the air” for fans after learning more about the event’s backing. She said she had viewed the performance as a chance to celebrate the states in the same spirit as the state fairs she has performed at throughout her career. McBride said the new information changed her understanding of the event and prompted her exit.
She also addressed supporters who may have felt disappointed or conflicted by her decision, saying she has spent her career singing about real people and real issues and has aimed to be a voice for listeners who felt unheard. McBride said she was upset that any fan might think she was turning away from the values reflected in her music and stressed that her decision was based on the event’s changed circumstances, not on a rejection of her audience.
McBride is not the only act to leave the lineup. Morris Day, Young MC and The Commodores have also said they will not perform at the fair. The departures have drawn attention to questions surrounding the event’s political association, despite its public branding as a nonpartisan celebration.
The Great American State Fair was intended to be a major part of the nation’s America 250 commemorations, but the controversy over its organization has now overshadowed the entertainment lineup. McBride’s withdrawal adds to the scrutiny facing the event as more artists reassess their involvement.
