Trump suggests canceling music at Great American State Fair after artists withdraw

President Trump on Saturday floated the idea of canceling all musical performances at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., after several musicians withdrew from the event.

The fair is described as a birthday celebration for America’s 250th anniversary. Freedom 250, the group organizing the event, had announced earlier Saturday that Mr. Trump would open the fair on June 24 with a ceremony.

Danielle Alvarez, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, said in a statement that Mr. Trump would “personally kick off this historic celebration on Wednesday, June 24 in an opening ceremony celebrating America’s 250th birthday.”

Later that day, Mr. Trump posted on social media that he was considering holding an “America is Back” rally at the fair and delivering a major speech. He wrote that he understood why artists were getting “the yips” about performing and said he might replace “these highly paid, Third Rate ‘Artists’” with himself, “the man who some say is the Greatest President in History.”

On Saturday night, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that the fair should feature a “giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain.” He added that organizers should “cancel” the state fair.

Freedom 250 had announced a lineup of artists last week for concerts on the National Mall from June 24 to July 10. Several acts withdrew shortly after, citing concerns that the event would be too political.

Morris Day and the Time, Young MC, the Commodores, Martina McBride and Bret Michaels have all said they will not perform. Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory rapper Freedom Williams and Flo Rida are still scheduled to appear.

Freedom 250 has described the initiative as nonpartisan.