President Donald Trump is canceling the planned Freedom 250 concert series in Washington, D.C., and replacing it with what he says will be a massive patriotic rally on the National Mall.
The event, scheduled for June 24, is part of the broader Freedom 250 celebration marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Instead of a lineup of mainstream music acts, the rally will feature military bands, patriotic performances, and a speech from Trump.
Announcing the change on Truth Social, Trump took aim at performers who withdrew from the original concert series.
“We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep,” Trump wrote. “All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played.”
Trump promised what he called “the Greatest Rally, EVER!”
The revised program is expected to open with country music star Lee Greenwood performing his signature anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Tenor Christopher Macchio will also perform several patriotic and classical selections, including “God Bless America,” “Ave Maria,” and “Nessun Dorma.”
Trump praised Macchio, saying, “Not since the legendary Luciano Pavarotti has there been such a voice.”
Military performers are also expected to take center stage, including the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Marine Band, the Armed Forces Choir, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
The rally announcement follows a series of high-profile departures from the original Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair concert series, which had been scheduled to begin June 25.
Among the artists who withdrew were Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores.
Several performers said they initially believed the event would be a nonpartisan celebration of America’s 250th anniversary but later became concerned about what they viewed as growing ties to Trump and his political movement.
Martina McBride said she was told the event would celebrate all 50 states and later determined it no longer aligned with her understanding of the project. Bret Michaels’ team similarly said the event had become more politically divisive than originally presented.
The controversy centered on Freedom 250, the organization created by executive order to coordinate semiquincentennial celebrations nationwide. While supporters view the effort as a patriotic initiative, critics argue it has become closely associated with Trump himself.
Despite the setbacks, Freedom 250 organizers say plans for other anniversary events—including the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and additional nationwide celebrations—remain on track.
Now, rather than rebuilding the concert lineup, Trump is betting that a rally built around patriotic music, military performers, and a prime-time address will draw supporters to the National Mall.
“We will be bringing you, LIVE, the Greatest Rally, EVER!” Trump wrote.
