Story perspectives

Ambassador Blames Katy Perry as Belgium Protests Park Closure

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bill White, Ambassador to Belgium, spoke at the America250 celebration in Brussels after the embassy closed Cinquantenaire Park.
White blamed Katy Perry for not performing, saying her Werchter Boutique festival was canceled because of weather.
President Donald Trump appeared in a prerecorded Oval Office video saying Belgium remembers U.S. World War soldiers.
Local residents protested the park closure while White noted the decorative ring was made in Antwerp.

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Story summary

Bill White, Ambassador to Belgium, spoke at the America250 celebration in Brussels after the embassy closed Cinquantenaire Park.
White blamed Katy Perry for not performing, saying her Werchter Boutique festival was canceled because of weather.
President Donald Trump appeared in a prerecorded Oval Office video saying Belgium remembers U.S. World War soldiers.
Local residents protested the park closure while White noted the decorative ring was made in Antwerp.