President Trump has announced a rally in Washington, D.C., to mark the nation's 250th birthday, stepping in after a planned concert at the so-called “Great American State Fair” unraveled amid artist withdrawals. The event, set for June 24 at 7 p.m., will feature a lineup of military bands and Trump-friendly performers, including country singer Lee Greenwood and tenor Christopher Macchio.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the artists who backed out, writing, “We don't want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we've told them all to stay home. All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played.”
The rally will include performances by the U.S. Army Band, the Armed Forces Choir, the U.S. Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus. Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” has long been a staple at Trump events, while Macchio sang the national anthem at Trump’s second inauguration.
The announcement comes after several artists pulled out of the Great American State Fair, a concert planned for the National Mall as part of a broader slate of celebrations. Country singer Martina McBride said she was misled about the event’s nature, stating, “I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.”
A spokesperson for the fair defended the event, telling “Sunrise on The Hill” that it is “inherently nonpolitical.”
The rally is part of a larger lineup of July 4 events in Washington, including the first-ever IndyCar street race on the National Mall this summer. Trump’s move to host his own celebration underscores the ongoing politicization of national holidays, as the No Kings movement shifts to watch parties for a separate June 14 event amid Trump’s UFC birthday bash.
The president’s rally also comes as he faces pushback from within his own party. Three GOP senators crossed the aisle to block his anti-weaponization fund, and six GOP senators broke ranks to block a White House ballroom plan earlier this year.
Critics argue that Trump’s rally is a thinly veiled campaign event disguised as a patriotic celebration. Supporters counter that it’s a fitting tribute to the nation’s history and a rebuke of entertainers who prioritize politics over patriotism.
The rally is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on June 24, with details on location and ticketing expected in the coming weeks.
