The Great American State Fair concert series on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is facing major changes. Just hours after organizers revealed the list of performers, several big names pulled out of the event, saying they were never told about its connection to President Donald Trump.
The fair is set to run from June 25 to July 10, 2026, as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. The event is organized by Freedom 250, a group created by the Trump administration. While organizers call the event non-partisan, many artists disagree after learning about the political backing.
Young MC Says Artists Were Kept in the Dark
Rapper Young MC, famous for the 1989 hit “Bust a Move,” was one of the first to announce his exit on May 27. He made it clear on social media that he and other performers did not know what they were signing up for.
“I have informed my agents that I will not be performing at the Freedom 250 event. The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.” – Young MC on Facebook
The rapper later told VIBE Magazine that he agreed to perform as a favor after his friend Rob Base passed away from cancer. He had no idea the show had any political ties. He called the situation a “bait-and-switch” and said he was never given the full truth about the event before agreeing to perform.
Morris Day Keeps It Short and Clear
Morris Day, the lead singer of Morris Day and The Time (the band linked to Prince), also confirmed he would not take the stage. His response was short but clear.
“Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & The Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair.’ It’s A No For Me.” – Morris Day on Instagram
Day was scheduled to perform on June 27. He gave no further explanation, but his message made his position very clear.
The Commodores Exit With a Statement on Staying Neutral
The legendary funk group The Commodores, known for hits like “Brick House” and “Easy,” also dropped out. The band released an official statement explaining their decision.
“Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans.” – The Commodores
The group was set to perform on June 27. They currently tour with one original member, William King, who co-wrote the 1981 hit “Lady”.
Martina McBride Cancels, Says She Was Misled
Country music star Martina McBride, who has sold over 14 million albums since 1992, was scheduled to kick off the fair on June 25. On May 28, she announced she was pulling out, saying the information she received was not honest.
McBride explained that she asked many questions before agreeing to perform. She was told it was a non-partisan event meant to bring people together through music. But after the public announcement, things changed.
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case.” – Martina McBride
The Milli Vanilli Confusion: Multiple Groups Claim the Name
The situation with Milli Vanilli is messy. The original duo lost Rob Pilatus in 1998, leaving Fab Morvan to tour under the name. The advertisement for the fair used Morvan’s picture, and he confirmed on May 28 that he will perform.
“I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them. Let’s celebrate life and music and take a trip down memory lane. I feel honored to be a part of the Great American State Fair as it will celebrate the 250 Year Anniversary of America with so many other accomplished artists.” – Fab Morvan
But here is the twist. The singers who actually recorded the vocals for Milli Vanilli’s hits—Jodie Rocco, Linda Rocco, John Davis, Brad Howell, and Charles Shaw—said they were never contacted. They released a statement calling themselves “The Real Milli Vanilli” and said they will NOT perform. They warned that anyone else using the name is just a tribute band with no connection to the real songs.
Jodie Rocco told the Associated Press, “My sister and I were shocked to see our name, ‘Milli Vanilli,’ as one of the performers.”
Who Is Still Performing at the Great American State Fair
Despite the wave of cancellations, some acts are still scheduled to appear. Vanilla Ice confirmed through his management that he will be there.
“Vanilla Ice is contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair at the National Mall on Friday, June 26. He is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom.” – Representative for Vanilla Ice
C+C Music Factory is also still on the bill. But the group has internal drama. Frontman Freedom Williams posted a heated video from his bathroom, dropping explicit language and saying he does not support Trump but refused to let online critics tell him what to do. However, the actual group behind C+C Music Factory later posted that they stay neutral on politics and that Williams was speaking only for himself.
Other artists who remain on the lineup include Flo Rida (scheduled for July 2) and Bret Michaels (scheduled for July 3).
Also Read:
Full Performer Status List for the Freedom 250 Event
Pulled Out:
- Martina McBride (June 25)
- Young MC (June 26)
- Morris Day and The Time (June 27)
- The Commodores (June 27)
Still Scheduled (as of now):
- C+C Music Factory (June 26)
- Vanilla Ice (June 26)
- Milli Vanilli (Fab Morvan version) (June 26)
- Flo Rida (July 2)
- Bret Michaels (July 3)
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