Bret Michaels Joins the Growing List of Performers Backing Out of Freedom 250, ‘My Shows Have Never Been About Politics'
RockerBret Michaelsis the latest artist to pull out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair. The former Poison frontman joins Young MC, Martina McBride, The Commodores, C+C Music Factory, Morris Day and The Time, and Milli Vanilli.
While many of the performers claim the festival was initially billed as a nonpartisan event celebrating America's 250th birthday, ties to the Trump administration reportedly led to the recent mass exodus.
Freedom 250 announced the event lineup earlier this week, posting a lengthy list of legendary and nostalgic performers, including Michaels, McBride, Young MC, The Commodores, C+C Music Factory, Morris Day and The Time, Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, and Milli Vanilli. As of Friday morning, the only acts that remain are Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida.
Why did Bret Michaels pull out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair?
Other Freedom 250 performers cited the event's veiled ties to President Donald Trump as the primary reason for leaving the lineup. On Thursday, May 28, Michaels joined his fellow artists in exiting the festival list.
The musician shared an explanation to his fans on his website, stating, "When the opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described 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. 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."
Michales continued, "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."
Even though he later goes on to note, "This isn't about politics. It's about staying true to what I've always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions," Michaels also adds, "What was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be part of."
The ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorns' singer went on to share, "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
Fans who are disappointed they won't get a chance to see the rocker on the National Mall aren't in for a total letdown. Before ending his lengthy note, Michaels adds, "I also want my amazing fans in Washington, D.C. to know that I love you all, and I fully intend to come back and perform in our nation's capital under circumstances where the focus can remain on what it should be - the music and the fans."
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 5:25 AM.