Trump cancels Freedom 250 concerts and plans rally instead

U.S. President Donald Trump has cancelled the Freedom 250 concert series planned for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., after several performers withdrew from the event. The June 24 program, meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, will now be replaced by a rally that Trump says will be a major spectacle. In a post on Truth Social, he described it as “the Greatest Rally, EVER” and said he would be the main attraction. Trump said the revised event would still include music, with performances from Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and military bands. He also criticized the artists who dropped out, many of whom said they were concerned about the event’s political tone. The Freedom 250 website says the anniversary is intended to celebrate the American spirit.