Martina McBride Becomes Fourth Performer to Withdraw From D.C. Concert Series as Backlash to Trump-Backed ‘Freedom 250’ Grows
Martina McBride has withdrawn from the 'Freedom 250' concert series in Washington, D.C., becoming the fourth artist to do so amid backlash over its political ties. She expressed disappointment after discovering the event was not as nonpartisan as initially presented. Other artists, including Morris Day and the Commodores, have also pulled out due to similar concerns.
- ▪Martina McBride announced her withdrawal from the 'Freedom 250' concerts on social media.
- ▪She stated that the event was misleadingly presented as nonpartisan.
- ▪McBride is the fourth artist to drop out, joining Morris Day and the Commodores.
8 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 26 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 4 lean left, 2 centre, 1 right.
- ▪ Poison frontman Bret Michaels is latest artist to withdraw from Freedom 250 concerts — Investing.com — News
- ▪ Slew of musicians back out of Freedom 250 concert: Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and more — Page Six
- ▪ Bret Michaels Ditches Trump’s ‘Divisive’ Freedom 250 Concert — Rolling Stone
- ▪ Bret Michaels Drops Out Of Trump-Backed Freedom 250 Concert Series In D.C. — Deadline
- ▪ Martina McBride pulls out of America 250 concert: ‘Turned out to be misleading’ — The Hill
- ▪ Martina McBride Drops Out of Freedom 250 Concert Series: “Turned Out to Be Misleading” — The Hollywood Reporter
- ▪ Some artists drop out of Freedom 250 concerts shortly after lineup released — CBS News — Top
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| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/music/news/martina-mcbride-freedom-250-drops-out-washington-concerts-1236761850/ |
| Publication time | Fri, 29 May 2026 01:56:37 +0000 |
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Home Music News May 28, 2026 6:56pm PT Martina McBride Becomes Fourth Performer to Withdraw From D.C. Concert Series as Backlash to Trump-Backed ‘Freedom 250’ Grows By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest The Commodores Become Latest Act to Ditch ‘Freedom 250’ Concerts in D.C. After Backlash Over Trump Ties 4 hours ago Gracie Abrams Announces 64-Date ‘Look at My Life’ International Arena Tour for Winter and Spring 2026-27 10 hours ago Morris Day Denies He’s Playing Controversial ‘Freedom 250’ Festival in D.C., After Fans Balk at His Advertised Participation: ‘It’s a No for Me’ 1 day ago See All Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Country star Martina McBride has become the latest performer to back out of the upcoming “Freedom…
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