Donald Trump-affiliated US birthday celebration hit by wave of cancellations

A number of musical artists have cancelled their appearances at a Donald Trump-linked US celebration in Washington DC. 

Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and the Commodores and are among those who have dropped out of the celebrations, which are designed to celebrate the US's 250th birthday.

This summer's The Great American State Fair shows on Washington's National Mall are being organised by Freedom 250.

It is described as a "non-partisan" organisation, but was launched last year by President Trump and is headed by Keith Krach, a first-term Trump appointee for the State Department.

The organisation had only announced the appearances of McBride, Michaelson and the Commodores on Wednesday.

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Why are artists cancelling?

Some of those cancelling their appearances said they were misled about the theme of the shows, or were wary of being affiliated with a political party.

In an Instagram post, Michaels wrote that he had thought his show would be a chance to "honour our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life".

But he concluded that the event had "evolved into something much more divisive".

McBride also issued an Instagram statement, saying she had been "presented with an opportunity to perform at a non-partisan event, but that turned out to be misleading".

Young MC, another artist scheduled to perform, expressed similar sentiments in an Instagram post, while the Commodores released a brief statement saying they chose "not to publicly affiliate with any single political party".

Some of those who are still set to perform at the events as of Friday morning include Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, the Grammy-winning duo who were discredited after reports that he and fellow frontman Rob Pilatus did not sing on the records and lip-synced on stage.

Morvan told the AP news agency in an emailed statement that he was "here to entertain and unite people, not divide them".

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A representative for Vanilla Ice said that the "Ice Ice Baby" rapper was "proud to help celebrate America's 250th Anniversary!".

A rocky relationship

Despite gathering some high-profile entertainment industry figures, such as Sylvester Stallone and Nicki Minaj, Mr Trump has had a rocky relationship with many others.

Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and Bruce Springsteen are among those who have endorsed Democrats and or condemned Mr Trump, while Elton John, Kenny Loggins and others have objected to their music being used in Trump rallies or videos.

It's not the only time that President Trump-related plans for the country's 250th birthday have caused headlines.

US Treasury officials said on Thursday that they are preparing to print a new $250 bill depicting the president, pending legislation changes.

Under current mandates, no living person can be depicted on banknotes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that his department designed the bill because "we have to be prepared" in case lawmakers decide to pass the stalled bill that would change that.

(c) Sky News 2026: Donald Trump-affiliated US birthday celebration hit by wave of cancellations