Online debate has erupted around the upcoming Great American State Fair, after most of the announced musical acts chose to bow out.
As the list of performers shrinks, some people are also asking why a high-profile musician known for openly backing Donald Trump still hasn’t been brought in for the event marking 250 years of American independence.
The celebration is scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10, with concerts planned for Washington DC’s National Mall under the banner of Freedom 250. While the group describes itself as nonpartisan, it was launched by Trump last year and is led by former Trump State Department appointee Keith Krach.
Early announcements suggested a nostalgia-heavy lineup, with names such as Young MC, Morris Day, Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, and C+C Music Factory set to perform.
But momentum stalled as multiple artists began removing themselves from the bill, with six of the nine acts reportedly no longer taking part.
Several performers have suggested the political connection wasn’t clearly explained in advance. Young MC and C+C Music Factory frontman Freedom Williams both indicated they were unaware—via their booking arrangements—that Trump was tied to the event, and said they would not participate.
Others, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Morris Day and the Time, and The Commodores, have also publicly stated they won’t be appearing.
With Trump cited as a reason for withdrawals, social media users have been questioning why Kid Rock—one of Trump’s most visible supporters—doesn’t appear to be part of the plans.
“there are artists who are known Trump supporters, but NONE of them were asked to perform. No Kid Rock, no Ted Nugent, no Carrie Underwood, no Nicki Minaj. Where are they?”
“Where is Kid Rock in all of this?”
“Almost every performer has said that they either never received an invitation, they were misled, and/or they declined. Kid Rock wasn’t even asked!!”
Kid Rock has aligned himself publicly with Trump on multiple occasions, including appearing around Trump-focused events such as the Make America Great Again Victory Rally in 2025. He also featured in February’s “Alternative Halftime Show,” a competing Super Bowl-related broadcast organized by Turning Point USA.
The event was framed as an unofficial counter-programming option to the Super Bowl LX halftime show, which was headlined by Bad Bunny.
The “All Summer Long” singer has also visited the White House during Trump’s presidency.
Last year, he brought TV host Bill Meher to the White House, despite Maher’s longstanding criticisms of Trump.
“I’m taking Bill Maher to the White House for dinner. This guy who has done nothing but talk smack about the president since day one.”