Artists pull out of Trump-backed concert for America’s 250th birthday

Key Points:

• Construction has begun on an Octagon-shaped cage on the White House south lawn for a controversial UFC event as part of the USA's 250th birthday celebrations, sparking criticism amid economic struggles faced by Americans.
• The Great American State Fair, scheduled from June 25 to July 10 at the National Mall, features a 1990s-themed musical lineup including Vanilla Ice, Martina McBride, and Flo Rida, but has faced backlash for relying on nostalgia acts and includes performers who have since withdrawn.
• Morris Day and Young MC have publicly declined to perform at the event, citing political concerns and lack of prior knowledge about the event's affiliations, with Kid Rock rumored as a possible replacement.
• The celebration aims to showcase all 56 U.S. states and territories in a World's Fair-scale event with live music, carnival rides, and interactive exhibits, promoting national unity through diverse cultural experiences.
• Funded by a public-private partnership including Trump-aligned tech firms Palantir and Oracle and federal contractors Deloitte and Lockheed Martin, the Freedom 250 initiative faces scrutiny over federal funding use and allegations of donor access to the president for large contributions.