WASHINGTON, D.C. — Multiple artists including The Commodores, Martina McBride, Morris Day & the Time, and Young MC withdrew from the Freedom 250 concert series scheduled for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between June 25 and July 10. The concert series is part of the Great American State Fair and was established by presidential decree as a White House initiative to offer Trump-led alternatives to events organized by the nonpartisan America250 U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

Martina McBride wrote on Instagram: "Me ofrecieron la oportunidad de actuar en un evento no partidario, pero resultó ser engañoso." Young MC stated on Instagram: "Nunca se les informó a los artistas sobre ninguna implicación política del evento." He later told Rolling Stone that the concert was deceptive and reiterated that Freedom 250 had been presented to him as a nonpartisan organization before he learned of its affiliation with the Trump administration.

Rachel Reisner, spokesperson for Freedom 250, responded to the withdrawals in a statement: "Respetamos el derecho de cualquier artista a tomar sus propias decisiones, y nuestras puertas permanecen abiertas para cualquier intérprete que desee formar parte de la celebración de los 250 años de libertad, cultura y unidad estadounidenses." She added: "Hay demasiado que celebrar de esta gran nación como para permitir que el ruido y la división nos distraigan del increíble momento que tenemos por delante."

Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation via Truth Social, suggesting the withdrawing artists were experiencing "miedo escénico" and proposing he could headline the event himself. Trump also instructed his representatives to explore holding a rally titled "America Is Back" on the same dates and location, which he described as a potential "celebración salvaje y hermosa de Estados Unidos." CNN contacted representatives for all scheduled performers, but many declined to comment or did not respond.