Several performers have pulled out of the upcoming Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., just days after being announced as part of the event’s entertainment lineup. Organized by Freedom 250, a group backed by President Donald Trump and tasked with helping plan America’s semiquincentennial celebrations, the fair is scheduled to take place on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10. The organization promoted the event as a patriotic celebration featuring major musical acts performing throughout the fair’s run.

The original lineup included artists such as Martina McBride, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Young MC, The Commodores, Morris Day and The Time, Flo Rida, and Bret Michaels. However, within hours of the announcement, several acts publicly distanced themselves from the fair. Morris Day & The Time announced on social media that they would not participate, while Young MC said he withdrew after learning of the event’s political affiliations, stating he hoped to return to Washington for a less politically charged appearance. Martina McBride, The Commodores, and Bret Michaels later confirmed their own departures, with Michaels claiming the event had become “much more divisive” than originally presented and revealing he had already received threats over his involvement.



Confusion also surrounded the participation of C+C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli. Freedom Williams, known for his work with C+C Music Factory, said he instructed his representatives to remove him from the event after learning about it online. Meanwhile, singers associated with Milli Vanilli clarified that they were not part of the scheduled performance and described the advertised act as a tribute group with no connection to their original recordings. Despite the backlash and multiple cancellations, Fab Morvan later confirmed he still intends to appear at the Great American State Fair, saying his goal is to “entertain and unite people, not divide them.”