Trump Hints At New Programming For Freedom 250 Concert After ‘Third Rate’ Artists Drop Out

President Donald Trump suggested that he would take the place of multiple “third rate” artists who have dropped out of the Freedom 250 concert planned for next month, calling himself “the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World.”

At least five artists pulled out of the concert earlier this week, claiming that the event has become too politicized. After the Great American State Fair announced the lineup, artists Morris Day & The Time, Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, and the Commodores all announced they had changed their minds about performing at one of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, which begin next month.

Trump suggested on Saturday that the concert might be replaced by an “America is Back” rally.

“I understand Artists are getting ‘the yips’ having to do with their performance on Wednesday, so I am thinking about bringing the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World, the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime, and he does so without a guitar, the man who loves our Country more than anyone else, and the man who some say is the Greatest President in History (THE GOAT!), DONALD J. TRUMP, to take the place of these highly paid, Third Rate ‘Artists,’ and give a major speech, rallying the Country forward like I have done ever since being President!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Some of the artists scheduled to perform have remained committed to the concert, but with the loss of five headline singers, the Freedom 250 event could be forced to make major last-minute changes to the programming.

“I don’t want so-called ‘Artists’ that get paid far too much money, who aren’t happy,” Trump added on Saturday. “I only want to be surrounded by Happy People, Smart People, Successful People, and People that know how to WIN.”

The artists who dropped out complained about so-called partisanship in the concert programming, arguing that it was a Trump-backed event.

“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” Young MC said.

Michaels released a similar statement and added that he and his team had faced threats after it was announced that he was performing.

“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” he said. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”

Freedom 250, the nonprofit dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation’s 250th anniversary, said the concert will be non-political.

“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” spokeswoman Rachel Reisner told CBS News.