As the United States rings in its 250th year of existence, current president, Donald Trump, decided to host a celebratory concert. However, this celebration quickly turned into a center for controversy. Artists who were meant to perform began dropping out and now Trump is changing the event. The concert series was set to take place June 25 through July 10, for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Nine musical acts were originally announced and told they would be performing at a nonpartisan event. However, as of today, six of the nine guests announced they would no longer be performing. The event was marketed as a celebration of America and an event that would honor hard working Americans, such as veterans and first responders without taking a political side. After the artists agreed, they found out that the event was being backed by Donald Trump and several dropped out for political affiliation. 

“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,” said artist Bret Michaels in an Instagram post. 

Michaels was one of the six artists that dropped out. Along with the political affiliation, he also stated that he was receiving threats and did not want to risk the safety of the band, fans or himself. 

Similarly Martina McBride was assured the event would be celebrating all 50 states and would not bring politics into the mix, when she found out that she was misinformed, she dropped out of the event.

“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,” said McBride in an Instagram post. 

In response to the several cancellations, Trump fought back by saying the artists were “overpriced” and “boring,” so he shifted the event and is now headlining. Beyond just headlining, he is considering making the event a Make America Great Again rally, which is the slogan associated with the Trump campaign.

What started out as a light-hearted event, meant to bring people together to celebrate our nation, quickly turned sour with controversy and may now become a political rally supporting the president.