That didn’t take long.
Just days after announcing the Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concert series to celebrate America’s quarter millennium, a number of artists scheduled to perform including Morris Day & The Time, Young MC, Bret Michaels, The Commodores, and Martina McBride have all removed themselves from the bill.
On his socials, Morris Day posted a message, saying, “Contrary to rumors, Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair.’” He then added in the comments section, “It’s a No for Me,” along with a smiling emoji with sunglasses.
Rapper Young MC has also backed out of the government-sponsored festival, explaining he was unaware of its political affiliations.
“I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT,” he wrote. “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.”
The Commodores have issued a statement confirming they will not be performing at the Great American State Fair.
“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.”
Martina McBride shared a similar sentiment, saying she wanted to “clear the air,” explaining that she “will not be performing” at the event in a social post.
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event that turned out to be misleading,” she said. “I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.”
McBride said she “thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can.”
Adding that “so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special.”
She thought the idea of the concert sounded “fun” and “wholesome” but then discovered “what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”
“I’ve spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one,” McBride added. “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.”
Bret Michaels also jumped on social media to explain that he too has decided not to perform, explaining that the concert “was originally presented to my team [as] a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life.”
He added that “as the son of a veteran, and coming from a family that has proudly served, that is something I have always been honored to support... bringing people together through music, positivity and good vibes” and not “about politics.”
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” he continued. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
While he made it known that it was a “difficult decision,” he said it is “not about politics” but “staying true to what I’ve always believed in... As a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.”
“I will continue to proudly support our veterans, active military members, teachers, first responders and the organizations that serve them, just as I always have,” he concluded.
Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan, however, says he still plans to perform at the Great American State Fair.
“I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them,” Morvan said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate life & 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. Looking forward to reconnecting with you across the USA this summer and to finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live in person!”
C+C Music Factory’s Freedom Williams has also spoken out about performing at the event. In an Instagram video, he says three months ago his agent received an offer to play in DC in June, but “didn’t mention Trump.”
While he says his initial reaction was to cancel, he then went on a profanity-laced rant addressing those criticizing him for taking part in the concert, before signing off by giving the middle finger.
“I don’t give a f**k about Trump,” Williams says to the camera. “I know the type of f**king anarchy he creates. But the day I let you motherf**kers tell me what to do is the day I die. I want to make that s**t motherf**king crystal clear… I don’t give a f**k about Trump, but I also don’t give a f**k about you either!... I might do the motherf**king show.”
Cue “Things That Make You Go Hmmm...”
The Great American State Fair will host a series of concerts that kicks off at the National Mall in Washington D.C. from June 25 to July 10, 2026.
Other artists set to perform include Bret Michaels (Poison), The Commodores, Martina McBride, Vanilla Ice, and somehow, Milli Vanilli. More are expected to be announced.
According to the press release, the free event is expected to bring together all 50 U.S. states for what organizers describe as “a World’s Fair-style celebration featuring concerts, exhibits, military tributes, cultural programming, innovation showcases and family-friendly attractions.”