At least two performers have already withdrawn from the National Mall concert series organized by Freedom 250, the Trump-backed group leading the celebration of the country's 250th anniversary this summer. However, the throwback '90s rap group C+C Music Factory does not appear to be following suit.
Freedom Williams Speaks Out
In a post on the group's official Instagram account, rapper Freedom Williams said his phone had been inundated with friends questioning why he would participate in an event backed by the Trump administration. Williams stated he did not care about the critics' opinions, a point emphasized by the fact that he seemed to be recording his message while sitting on a toilet.
"I don't give a f*** about Trump. I don't give a f*** about Trump's family," Williams said. "I know the kind of anarchy he creates. But the day I let you motherf***ers tell me what to do is the day I die."
Williams went on a lengthy rant covering former President Barack Obama, who he claimed "never did s*** for you," and Trump's immigration crackdown, which he called "damn near Nazism," among other issues. He said he had considered dropping out of the National Mall show as backlash grew but ultimately decided not to cave to critics. "I don't give a f*** about Trump. But I also don't give a f*** about you, either," he added.
Concert Lineup and Controversy
The Freedom 250 concert lineup, billed as the Great American State Fair, heavily features '90s artists like Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Martina McBride, and Poison's Bret Michaels. C+C Music Factory is best known for hits such as "Gonna Make You Sweat" and "Things That Make You Go Hmmm..."
Freedom 250 emerged as an overtly Trump-backed group that has been confused with America250, the bipartisan group created by Congress to help mark the nation's semiquincentennial. Democrats have warned that the rise of Freedom 250 raises "serious and troubling questions" about Trump and his allies attempting to benefit from a public celebration involving taxpayer dollars.
Artists Face Pressure
Artists scheduled to perform at the Freedom 250 festivities have faced public pressure to withdraw from an event that could benefit and promote the president. Rapper Young MC announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that he had decided not to participate after learning more.
"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," he explained. "I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged."
Singer and songwriter Morris Day has also apparently chosen to drop out, stating in an Instagram post that "It's A No For Me." He added, "Contrary To Rumor, Morris Day & The Time Will Not Be Performing At 'THE GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR.'"
There has been no indication yet from McBride that she intends to withdraw from the event.
