Donald Trump has said a White House-backed patriotic concert should be cancelled after a string of headline acts withdrew, suggesting he hold a "Make America Great Again" rally instead.
The US Freedom 250 festival lost most of its headliners after performers including rapper Young MC, Poison frontman Bret Michaels and country singer Martina McBride raised concerns the event would be political. Trump, who is reportedly considering appearing at the event, said on social media that he would "cancel it" and hold a rally in its place.
“Donald Trump has called for the White House-backed US Freedom 250 festival to be cancelled after most headliners dropped out, suggesting a MAGA rally instead. Performers raised concerns the event would be political.”
The concert was planned as part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence, with backing from the White House. But artists began dropping out after reports that the event would be used to promote Trump's political agenda. Young MC said he did not want to be part of "a political spectacle", while Bret Michaels said he had "no interest in politics" and only wanted to perform for fans.
Trump responded by attacking the performers, saying they "don't want any political content at all" and that the event had become "too political". He added: "If they don't want to perform, let them. We'll do a Make America Great Again rally instead."
The controversy highlights the polarising nature of Trump-linked events ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Freedom 250 festival was intended to be a non-partisan celebration, but critics argue it was always intertwined with Trump's political ambitions.
There is no direct impact on UK households, but the incident underscores the deep divisions in US politics. For British readers, it demonstrates how cultural events can become entangled with political figures, a dynamic seen in the UK with controversies around royal ceremonies or party conferences.
Trump has not yet confirmed whether he will appear at the event if it goes ahead, but his suggestion of a rally indicates he may use the occasion to energise his base.