Trump says he'll replace artists who backed out of concert

The Great American State Fair is a 16-day event scheduled for June 25 to July 10, 2026, featuring concert stages, state pavilions, exhibits, rides, and other attractions on Washington’s National Mall. Trump posted on Truth Social that artists were backing out due to performance-related issues and said he was the “Number One Attraction anywhere in the World.” Organizers said they were excited for Trump to personally kick off the historic celebration on Wednesday, June 24. Multiple performers including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels withdrew, citing the event’s shift toward divisiveness and ties to Trump. The concert is part of White House plans for the 250th anniversary, including a UFC fight on White House grounds in June.

"“I understand Artists are getting the yips' having to do with their performance,” Trump said in a long message on his Truth Social platform. With his characteristic capitalization misakes, he went on to call himself the “Number One Attraction anywhere in the World” and the musicians who backed out “highly paid, Third Rate 'Artists.'"

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