President Trump announced on Thursday a rally in Washington, D.C. scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The event, which Trump described as “the Greatest Rally, EVER!” and “a Rally to end all Rallies,” will feature singer Lee Greenwood, martial arts star Christopher Macchio, and performances by the U.S. Army Band, the Armed Forces Choir, and the Marine Band. Trump stated that the gathering would include “the Greatest Music ever played” and “a fine and highly dignified gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump.” He emphasized the event would be a celebration of American patriotism and unity.
The announcement follows reports that multiple artists withdrew from the Great American State Fair concert series due to concerns about its political affiliations. Country singer Martina McBride cited being misled when she was told the event was nonpartisan but later learned it celebrated all 50 states. A spokesperson for the fair described it as “inherently nonpolitical.” Trump previously suggested replacing backing artists with a presidential rally, stating he would be the “Number One Attraction anywhere in the World” and “the man who loves our Country more than anyone else.”
The Freedom 250 initiative, co-founded by the Trump administration to plan activities for the nation’s 250th anniversary, faced controversy when its CEO, Keith Krach, went silent after artists withdrew from a planned concert series. Trump had earlier stated he would “cancel it” in reference to all Freedom 250 concerts.