The Washington Star

The Washington Star

Trump Weighs Making Himself Freedom 250 Headliner Following Musician Exodus

Even Bret Michaels, a friend of the president, backed out of the National Mall extravaganza.

Mark A. Kellner
May 30, 2026
∙ Paid
President Trump is refurbishing the National Mall ahead of America’s 250th birthday. Photo: Freedom 250

President Trump twice Saturday said he’s considering scrapping his heralded Great American State Fair’s concert series in favor of a single headliner — himself — a dramatic pivot that would recast what had been the flagship of the nation’s 250th-birthday celebration.

Mr. Trump made the revelation on Truth Social after most musicians booked to perform canceled after the lineup was made public Wednesday.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
Mark A. Kellner's avatar
A guest post by
Mark A. Kellner
Journalist.
Subscribe to Mark
© 2026 The Washington Star Company, LLC · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture