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1h ago

Freedom 250 Lineup Unravels as Multiple Acts Deny or Withdraw From National Mall Fair

The Trump-launched group's claim of a nonpartisan 16-day Great American State Fair is weakened as performers say they were listed without disclosure of political ties, leaving the roster and public relations fallout unresolved.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: People gather for press conference for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington DC on the National Mall on March 09, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature a 1.7 mile course with seven turns on the National Mall, later this summer. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
{p}At least two artists have backed out of the Freedom 250 festival in Washington, D.C., after raising concerns about political ties to the government-sponsored event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (Freedom 250) {/p}
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Overview

  • Freedom 250 publicly announced a first-wave lineup for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on Wednesday, listing acts for the June 25–July 10 celebration.
  • Within hours to a day after the announcement, several listed performers — including Morris Day & The Time, Young MC and members of Milli Vanilli — said they were not asked or will not appear.
  • Artists and representatives say booking communications broke down because agents did not disclose the event’s ties to President Trump, and some performers said they would refuse to play once they learned of that affiliation.
  • Freedom 250 and its spokesperson have repeatedly called the initiative nonpartisan and separate from the congressionally created America250 commission, while the group’s Trump origins and CEO Keith Krach remain central to the dispute.
  • The roster remains in flux: a few acts such as Vanilla Ice are confirmed by representatives, others have publicly withdrawn or disputed listings, and organizers face near-term logistics and reputational challenges on the highly visible National Mall.