Growing number of artists pull out of 250th anniversary celebration on National Mall
A growing number of artists have withdrawn from the 250th anniversary celebration on the National Mall, citing concerns over the event's political affiliations. Performers like Martina McBride and Bret Michaels expressed feeling misled about the nature of the event, which they believed was nonpartisan. Freedom 250, the organizing body, defended the event as a celebration for all Americans and remains open to artists who wish to participate.
- ▪Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and other artists have pulled out of the event due to concerns about its political nature.
- ▪Freedom 250 claims the event is a celebration of all Americans and is not partisan.
- ▪Artists expressed feeling misled about the event's true nature and its connections to the Trump administration.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onGrowing number of artists pull out of 250th anniversary celebration on National MallMartina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC and more said they won't perform.ByBeatrice PetersonMay 29, 2026, 2:28 PM1:51Martina McBride attends Musicians On Call: Music Heals Live, May 20, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.Jason Davis/Getty ImagesLess than 48 hours after Freedom 250 unveiled the entertainment lineup for its "Great American State Fair" in Washington, D.C., a growing number of announced performers publicly said they would not participate.Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time and…
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