Trump Threatens to Cancel U.S. 250th Anniversary Concerts After Artists Withdraw, Proposes Speech Instead
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he may cancel a series of concerts planned to mark the country’s 250th anniversary after multiple artists pulled out of the event, suggesting he could hold a political rally and deliver a speech in their place.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, describing himself as “the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World” and claiming he draws larger audiences than Elvis Presley — “without a guitar.”
A Growing List of Withdrawals
The Freedom 250 concert series, scheduled to run from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has seen at least five artists withdraw in recent days.
The most recent departure came earlier this week, when Bret Michaels, frontman of the rock group Poison, announced he would not perform. He joins country singer Martina McBride and funk and soul group the Commodores among those who have pulled out.
Criticism Over Trump’s Role in Commemorations
Freedom 250 describes itself on its website as “Celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit.” However, broader events surrounding the U.S. bicentennial-plus celebrations have drawn criticism for what some see as an effort to centre Trump personally in the national commemoration.
Those efforts include proposals to feature Trump’s face on commemorative coins and a special passport, as well as his signature on currency — moves critics argue blur the line between a national milestone and political promotion.
