Organizers Say Trump to Open 250th Event, Some Artists Withdraw

Five out of nine artists scheduled to perform as part of a planned concert series have pulled out, citing politics and security concerns.

Banners hang from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as workers continue to build out Freedom 250's Great American State Fair infrastructure on the National Mall in Washington on May 14, 2026. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Freedom 250 announced on May 30 that President Donald Trump will “kick off” the opening ceremony for the upcoming fair that marks the beginning of festivities leading up to Independence Day.

Freedom 250 is the nonpartisan organization coordinating between White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Congressional America250 Commission to deliver presidential initiatives for America’s 250th birthday celebrations.