It is under the rule of the self-proclaimed “best president of all time” that the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary – and it is he himself who is at the helm of this great spectacle. However, anniversary plans may be thwarted. Several artists canceled their performances at the last minute.
American media report that artists such as Young MC, Morris Day, The Commodores, Martina McBride and Bret Michaels have canceled their participation in the 16-day “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington. Artists are shouting about the lack of transparency.
The organizing organization, Freedom 250, officially presents itself as a non-profit organization. However, it was initiated at the government level and co-created by people from government circles. And it is political connections with the Trump administration that artists fear the most.
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After the first public refusals to participate in the show, there was also a political reaction. In his style, Trump deprecates the music environment, calling it “third rate” [w języku polskim: trzeciorzędne lub gorszej jakości] and is apparently now considering organizing one of his own rally “AMERICA IS BACK” as an alternative program.
Trump went even further. Instead of concerts in Washington, a rally is possible at which he himself would be the main speaker, the president wrote on his Truth Social social networking site. After all, he is “the world's biggest attraction,” drawing much larger crowds than Elvis Presley did in his heyday – and that's without a guitar.
Trump planned these celebrations
The beginning of the year of celebrations already showed the direction. Instead of Washington, Des Moines, Iowa became the stage for a patriotic spectacle with fireworks, historical videos and performances by artists such as Lee Greenwood – under the slogan “A New Era with American Greatness”. The choice of the Midwest does not seem at all random: it represents an image of traditional, rural America that has political significance.
Folk festival or spectacle?
The “Great American State Fair” is essentially a celebration of culture, agriculture and innovation — in a fairground atmosphere, with exhibits and performing arts programming on the National Mall. However, as artists decide to refuse to participate in the show, the perception of this event changes. Instead of a broad cultural program we are faced with an event that seems primarily politically charged and appeals mainly to an already convinced audience.
“Patriot Games” with military overtones
The planned “Patriot Games” are also controversial. Young athletes from all 50 states are scheduled to compete in a sports event partly inspired by the military. Officially, it is about promoting youth and sports – but in reality it is dominated by the staging of discipline, strength and patriotism.
The politics of memory in the form of a park
The administration in Washington is also planning a monumental project commemorating the figures who created American history called the “National Garden of American Heroes”. It is planned to create a park with American figures such as Martin Luther King, Elvis Presley and Ronald Reagan. Critics warn against a politicized choice that not only reflects history but also deliberately interprets it.
UFC in the White House and other big shows
Trump plans to fight for the UFC title on the South Lawn of the White House. The event is to be held in partnership with Dan White, entrepreneur and current president of the UFC. However, there seem to be problems here too: viewers need to be recruited – primarily from the military. As reported by the Washington Post, Therefore, the Pentagon intends to send hundreds of soldiers to the event.
The program also includes the great nautical event “Sail4th 250” in New York, the planned Grand Prix in Washington, as well as limited anniversary passports with the president's portrait.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
