Trump floats Washington rally after artists ditch US birthday concerts
US President Donald Trump is contemplating a Washington rally after several artists withdrew from a concert series for America's 250th anniversary. The artists cited politicisation as a reason for their departure, with some describing the event as divisive. Trump has proposed to replace the artists with himself, claiming he can draw larger crowds than Elvis Presley.
- ▪Several artists, including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, have pulled out of the planned concert series.
- ▪Trump suggested he could replace the artists with a rally, claiming he draws larger audiences than Elvis.
- ▪The concert series was intended to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary and was organized by a Trump-backed entity.
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Trump floats Washington rally after artists ditch US birthday concertsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS President Donald Trump accused artists of "getting the yips" after several pulled out of his planned concert series marking America's 250th anniversary, with some citing politicisation of the event.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 31, 2026, 02:08 AMUpdated May 31, 2026, 02:08 AMSummariseUS President Donald Trump is considering headlining a Washington rally after artists quit 250th anniversary concert events, citing politicisation.Multiple artists, including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, withdrew from the concerts.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.