Trump Slams ‘Third Rate Artists’ Dropping Out of D.C. Performances, Says He May Produce Different Event Starring Someone With a ‘Much Larger Audience Than Elvis’… Himself
President Trump criticized artists withdrawing from government-sponsored performances in Washington, D.C., referring to them as 'third rate artists.' He suggested he might produce an alternative event featuring himself, claiming he attracts larger audiences than Elvis. Trump's comments come amid a wave of cancellations related to the 'Freedom 250' concert series scheduled for late June and early July.
- ▪Trump expressed discontent with artists dropping out of performances in D.C.
- ▪He proposed hosting an event featuring himself as the main attraction.
- ▪Several artists have canceled their participation in the 'Freedom 250' concert series.
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| Original publisher | Variety |
| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/music/news/trump-slams-third-rate-artists-dropping-out-freedom-250-1236763119/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 30 May 2026 17:34:16 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-30T17:59:43.108Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-30T17:59:43.108Z |
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Home Music News May 30, 2026 10:34am PT Trump Slams ‘Third Rate Artists’ Dropping Out of D.C. Performances, Says He May Produce Different Event Starring Someone With a ‘Much Larger Audience Than Elvis’… Himself By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest Trump Slams ‘Third Rate Artists’ Dropping Out of D.C. Performances, Says He May Produce Different Event Starring Someone With a ‘Much Larger Audience Than Elvis’… Himself 24 minutes ago Frankie Valli Cancels Concerts for Remainder of 2026 ‘to Focus on My Health’ 17 hours ago ‘Toy Story’ or Tay Story? Easter Eggs in New ‘TS’ Billboard Campaign Heighten Fans’ Belief That Taylor Swift Is Involved in Pixar Sequel 22 hours ago See All Getty Images President Donald J.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.