Artists Pull Out of Great American State Fair Citing Partisanship and ‘Threats’

Several musical artists scheduled to perform at the Great American State Fair in honor of America’s 250th birthday have withdrawn from the event after SPIN magazine highlighted President Donald Trump’s connection to the fair.

The Great American State Fair will showcase all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. It is slated to run on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10.

On Wednesday, Freedom 250, a new private-public partnership helping organize and coordinate America 250 events, announced a lineup of artists booked to perform at the fair. The list included well-known acts such as Martina McBride, Vanilla Ice, Bret Michaels, Flo Rida, Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan, C+C Music Factory, the Commodores, and Young MC.

However, several artists quickly dropped out after SPIN mocked the lineup for “Donald Trump’s Freedom 250.”

Rapper Young MC specifically cited the SPIN report and the Trump connection in a post announcing his withdrawal.

“I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT,” the “Bust a Move” artist said. “The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”

Veteran country star Martina McBride also withdrew from the fair, saying the event was presented to her as “non-partisan,” but “yesterday things started changing,” and what she was told is “not what is happening.”

The Commodores also seem to believe celebrating America’s birthday and its 50 states is a Republican-only concept.

“Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,” the group said in a statement. “We support the betterment of all Americans.”

Also pulling out is Fab Morvan, the surviving member of the disgraced 1990s duo Milli Vanilli. A replacement act has already been lined up.

Marco Rubio just found out he has to perform for Milli Vanilli at the Great American State Fair. pic.twitter.com/qF6q3gyLFx

— The Great Gats (@Gardyloo_Alert) May 29, 2026

Rocker Bret Michaels of the band Poison also pulled out, citing threats to his safety.

“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,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”

Michaels, perhaps not coincidentally, famously won Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” reality show.

Freedom 250 rejected the notion that the Great American State Fair is partisan. In a statement to USA Today, spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said the organization is “dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation’s 250th anniversary.”

“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans—welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” Reisner added.

The Great American State Fair will be free and open to the public. Although advance tickets are not necessary for entry, attendees can register for free tickets on the Freedom 250 website.