Bret Michaels, Martina McBride drop out of 'Freedom 250' concert

May 29 (UPI) --Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and other music artists have dropped out of the "Freedom 250" event series planned for June 25 to July 10 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

"Freedom 250," also billed as "The Great American State Fair," is organized by the nonprofit organization Freedom 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

President Donald Trump is now being linked to the event, with the White House stating, "we have created a new public-private partnership called Freedom 250," in a press release Friday.

Michaels, a singer and the frontman of the rock band Poison, announced on Instagram that he will no longer perform due to concerns about partisanship and safety.

"As many of you know, I've spent my entire career bringing people together through music, positivity and good vibes. My shows have never been about politics," Michaels wrote.

"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. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgiveable," he said.

Country music star McBride called the event's "nonpartisan" label "misleading" in a post announcing her cancellation Thursday.

"In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can ... Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening," she wrote.

Young MC, Morris Day of Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores were among the other artists to drop out of the event.

Freedom 250 had announced the performers lineup Wednesday.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 6:15 AM.