Donald Trump's MAGA festival chaos brutally mocked by Bill Maher as artists back out
Donald Trump's MAGA festival chaos brutally mocked by Bill Maher as artists back out
Scarlett O'TooleSat, May 30, 2026 at 8:35 AM UTC
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Bill Maher torched Donald Trump -Credit:Real Time with Bill Maher (Real Time with Bill Maher)
Bill Maher didn't hold back as he ridiculed Freedom 250's Great American State Fair following the withdrawal of nearly all announced performers.
The festival, which has been endorsed by Donald Trump, is scheduled as a 16-day celebration in Washington D.C. However, it's been surrounded by cancellation speculation after nearly every act initially announced to appear, including Martina McBride and The Commodores, have confirmed they won't be taking part in the festival.
HBO Real Time host Maher, 70, addressed the controversy during his Friday night show. Multiple artists pulled out of the festival after singer Morris Day was the first to do so.
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"We're having a 250th birthday party for America. A concert," Maher remarked during his monologue on May 29. "They announced the lineup: Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels. I think this is very admirable about the president - it shows that he's concerned for the unemployed."
He added, "And then, after they announced this all-star lineup, a lot of them said, 'No, what are you talking about? We're not playing.' That's got to hurt a lot when you can't close the deal with Milli Vanilli."
Bill Maher mocked the Freedom 250 event -Credit:Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube
The comic then targeted President Trump, 79, as he quipped, "Here's something in the category of wow, we never used to be this country: They're putting out a $250 bill with Trump's face on it.
"I guess it's commemorative. Republicans in Congress are thrilled about it. They can't wait to carry it in their wallet. What a switcheroo: having Trump's face next to their a--."
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Freedom 250's event descended into chaos mere hours after revealing its lineup, with multiple artists releasing statements confirming their withdrawal. The only confirmed performers still committed to appearing are Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Milli Vanilli frontman Fabrice Morvan.
The comedian even tore into Donald Trump -Credit:Getty Images
Morris Day and The Time were first to withdraw, with the singer announcing on Instagram that the group wouldn't be taking part, posting, "It's a no for me," as the caption. Young MC also pulled out, referencing the political connections and contentious atmosphere.
"I have informed my agents that I will not be performing at the Freedom 250 event," he wrote. "The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, Spin magazine describes it as 'Trump-backed.' I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged."
The Commodores similarly referenced politics in their statement, saying, "Our music has always been our voice and we chose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans."
Morris Day was the first to back out -Credit:FilmMagic
Martina McBride revealed she had been deceived about the event's nature as she explained her decision to withdraw. "I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading," she wrote.
The country music star added, "I asked lots and lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. I've spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues.
"I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn't have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I'm abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon."
Martina McBride has also canceled her appearance -Credit:Penske Media via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Bret Michaels pointed to safety concerns as his reason for withdrawing from the festival. In a statement posted on Instagram, he explained, "Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of."
The singer continued, "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
