This week, the organization presented the first list of performers scheduled to play during the ceremony. The list included: Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & The Time, The Commodores, Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida. After the names were announced, some artists decided to withdraw from participation.
Musical controversies before the anniversary celebration
In Saturday's entry Trump criticized the artists and suggested the possibility of his own speech during the celebration.
“I understand that artists get 'stage fright' due to their performance […], that's why I'm considering bringing in the Greatest Attraction in the World – a man who attracts a much larger audience than Elvis did at his peakand he does it without a guitar; a man who loves our country more than anyone else; and the man whom some consider to be the best president in history – DONALD J. TRUMP, to replace these highly paid, third-rate 'artists' and deliver a great speech, mobilizing the country to continue, as I have done throughout my presidency! – wrote the American president on his social networking site Truth Social.
Donald Trump's entry on Truth SocialDonald Trump/Truth Social/Truth Social/Donald Trump
The White House host instructed his representatives to explore the possibility of organizing an alternative event.
“Therefore, through this post on TRUTH, I recommend to my representatives to check the possibilities of organizing […] in Washington, at the same time and in the same place, rally under the slogan “AMERICA IS BACK”. Only great patriots will be invited – it will be a wild and beautiful celebration of America! – he added.
Later, the event organizer confirmed in an interview with the Washington Post that the US president would perform at the festival's opening ceremony. Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech on Wednesday, June 24 — the day before the event officially starts. Two of the president's advisers told the newspaper they were taking quick action to ensure the rally Trump announced was held. However, it is not known whether or which artists will ultimately perform at it.
