Country musician Martina McBride has withdrawn from a music event linked to President Trump, which she was scheduled to headline. This decision follows the withdrawal of several other performers who cited miscommunication regarding the event's political affiliations. The Great American State Fair, announced on May 27, 2026, is set to take place on the National Mall from June 27 to June 10 as part of the celebrations for America's 250th birthday. The lineup included McBride, along with other artists such as Young MC, Flo Rida, and The Commodores.
Confusion over the event's association with the Trump administration led to four of the nine acts pulling out by Thursday. McBride stated on social media that she was misled about the event being nonpartisan. She expressed her disappointment, noting that she had asked many questions before agreeing to perform and believed it would be a celebration of unity through music.
The Commodores also announced their withdrawal, emphasizing their preference not to affiliate with any political party. Young MC and Morris Day and The Time had previously opted out as well, citing a lack of information regarding the event's political ties. The Freedom 250 organization, which is behind the event, has been contacted for further comments. The event's promotional materials have faced scrutiny, with claims that it is nonpartisan despite its connections to Trump. Other artists, including Vanilla Ice, have confirmed their participation despite the controversy.