June 1 (THEWILL) — U.S. President Donald Trump will headline the opening ceremony of “The Great American State Fair”.
The fair, organised by Freedom 250, will run from June 25 to July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Organisers said on Saturday that Trump will “personally kick off this historic celebration” on June 24.
The change comes after several artistes pulled out of the event, saying it was more political than they were led to believe.
Those who have withdrawn include country singer, Martina McBride; rock musician, Bret Michaels; R&B group, The Commodores; and rapper, Young MC.
Reacting to the cancellations on Truth Social, Trump called the departing acts “Third Rate Artistes who got the yips” (a golf term for nervous tension that affects performance) and suggested he could replace them.
“We should have 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”, Trump wrote.
In the same post, Trump said the concert series may not be needed if more performers pull out.
He also said he draws “much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime” and “does so without a guitar.”
Despite the withdrawals, several performers remain on the lineup, including Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli.
Organisers say the event will also include state pavilions, exhibitions, rides, flyovers and family-friendly attractions across the National Mall.
Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership created by the White House to coordinate celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
