Bret Michaels Pulls Out of ‘Freedom 250’ Trump-Backed Shows, Becoming Fifth Artist to Do So

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May 29, 2026
Credit: Getty
Martina McBride

Martina McBride – OUT

Country music star Martina McBride is the latest to back out, sharing a statement on Instagram.

“I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states,” Martina wrote. “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. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”

Young MC

Young MC – OUT

Young MC has also dropped out, writing, “I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT. 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.”

Find out who might still be performing out of the remaining lineup.

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