Former US President Donald Trump has called for the cancellation of a grand concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day, proposing instead a large Make America Great Again (MAGA) rally. On 30/5, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, "We should hold a huge Make America Great Again (MAGA) rally for the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, instead of inviting overpaid singers whose music nobody wants to hear, which is too boring and does nothing but complain." He concluded, "Cancel it."

Freedom 250, a White House-established group coordinating activities for the 250th anniversary of the United States, organizes the grand concert. It forms part of the Great American State Fair, scheduled from 25/6 to 10/7 at the National Mall.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 27/5. *AP*

Following the announcement of the guest singer list, five of the nine scheduled artists withdrew from the event. Several cited the concert's "politicization" as their reason. Among those who pulled out were country singer Martina McBride and glam rocker Bret Michaels, lead vocalist for the 1980s band Poison.

Michaels explained on Facebook, "Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of the country has turned into something far more divisive than what I agreed to participate in."

Trump has consistently sought to personalize commemorative events. He previously suggested organizing a mixed martial arts (MMA) match in an arena on the White House lawn on 14/6, coinciding with his 80th birthday. On Truth Social, he wrote, "I understand the artists are under psychological pressure about performing. Therefore, I am thinking of bringing in the Number One Attraction, who draws much larger crowds than even Elvis in his prime and who many describe as the greatest President in history Donald Trump, to replace these third-rate, highly paid artists."

Trump stated he is directing aides to assess "the feasibility of holding a MAGA rally at the National Mall," where he would deliver a speech to "move the country forward as I have always done since becoming President." Freedom 250 confirmed in a social media post that it expects Trump to "personally open this historic celebration."