Trump criticized artists for refusing to perform at the U.S. anniversary celebration
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted sharply to the decision by well-known musicians to boycott the festival marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States because of his connection to the event.
He announced this on his page on the social media platform Truth Social.
The American leader stated his readiness to personally replace the performers who refused to participate in the large-scale celebration.
The festive event, titled “The Great American State Fair,” is scheduled to take place from June 25 to July 10.
The organizers of the large-scale festival have planned not only musical performances by famous artists but also a series of themed exhibitions and entertainment activities.
However, preparations for the anniversary have faced serious difficulties due to political divisions in American society.
Earlier, leading global news agencies, including CNN and the Associated Press, reported that many invited stars had refused to participate in the celebration.
Among those who publicly announced their decision to boycott the event were The Commodores, Martina McBride, Morris Day and The Time, Poison frontman Bret Michaels, and renowned rapper Young MC.
Most of them explained their decision by citing a reluctance to become a tool of political influence.
The musicians emphasized that the organizers initially provided them with inaccurate information regarding the overall concept and ideological tone of the upcoming performances.
In particular, singer Martina McBride noted in her official statement on Instagram that she “was offered the opportunity to perform at a non-partisan event, but this turned out to be misleading.”
The performers expressed concern about their names potentially being dragged into the country’s intense internal political struggle.
Despite significant losses in the star-studded lineup, some well-known artists have nevertheless officially confirmed their full readiness to take the stage for the celebration. Among the event’s supporters are Flo Rida, Fab Morwan of the group Milli Vanilli, and popular rapper Vanilla Ice.
The latter’s official representative publicly emphasized that the rapper is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!”
The festival’s organizing committee is a special entity called Freedom250, established by a corresponding executive order of the U.S. president.
The institution’s main goal is to organize alternative celebrations directly linked to the current head of state.
Meanwhile, a separate independent government commission, America250, is responsible for organizing official nationwide events.
Although the leadership of Freedom250 positions its activities as completely non-partisan, journalists have uncovered direct ties to the White House inner circle.
The organization is currently led by a former State Department appointee who served during Trump’s first presidential term. This has raised additional questions among opposition figures and the public.
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At the same time, Trump once again repeated the threats he has been making in recent weeks: “If they agree, it’s over, and if not—we’ll bomb them.”
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
