Story perspectives

Top Acts Withdraw from Trump-Backed Freedom 250 State Fair

5/29/2026

Summary

Artists Withdraw

Morris Day & The Time, Young MC, Milli Vanilli and The Commodores all withdrew from Freedom 250’s State Fair.
The fair runs June 25–July 10, 2026, organized by the Trump-backed nonprofit Freedom 250, a self-described nonpartisan 501(c)(3).
Vanilla Ice will perform June 26, with Martina McBride (June 25), C+C Music Factory (June 26), Flo Rida (July 2) and Bret Michaels (July 3) also confirmed.
The fair will feature daily themes, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, carousel, rodeo competitions and National Treasure film screenings.

Summary

Trump Launches

President Donald Trump launched Freedom 250, a national non-partisan organization, appointing former under secretary of state Keith Krach as CEO.
Young MC and Morris Day posted on Instagram denying involvement in National Mall shows, questioning their nonpartisanship and seeking apolitical events.
Vocalist Jodie Rocco said she, sister Linda and studio singers were never asked to appear under the Milli Vanilli name, whose 1990 Grammy was rescinded after a lip-sync scandal.

History

Historical Context

In November 1990 the Recording Academy stripped Milli Vanilli of two Grammys—Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group—after Frank Farian revealed they had not sung on their hits. The scandal led Arista to delete the album and sparked lawsuits, damaging industry credibility. Organizers of today’s Freedom 250 fair, led by CEO Keith Krach, cite that precedent as artists withdraw.

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Artists Withdraw

Morris Day & The Time, Young MC, Milli Vanilli and The Commodores all withdrew from Freedom 250’s State Fair.
The fair runs June 25–July 10, 2026, organized by the Trump-backed nonprofit Freedom 250, a self-described nonpartisan 501(c)(3).
Vanilla Ice will perform June 26, with Martina McBride (June 25), C+C Music Factory (June 26), Flo Rida (July 2) and Bret Michaels (July 3) also confirmed.
The fair will feature daily themes, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, carousel, rodeo competitions and National Treasure film screenings.

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