John Oliver has ridiculed the troubled rollout of Donald Trump's 'Freedom 250' celebration, after several scheduled performers withdrew from the event. The late-night host noted that the lineup consisted of artists who have not been relevant since 2009, comparing it to a playlist for a 50th birthday party.
The Great American State Fair, a 16-day event on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, has seen cancellations from acts including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Morris Day, Young MC and The Commodores. They pulled out after discovering the event was not apolitical, prompting Trump to rant on social media about 'overpriced singers' and threaten to cancel the event in favour of a MAGA rally.
Oliver sarcastically noted that the White House celebration would still feature a 110-foot ferris wheel and screenings of 'National Treasure' and its sequel, describing the approach as having 'substitute teacher who doesn't give a fuck' energy. He joked that even the ferris wheel might pull out, given the ongoing chaos.
The host criticised Trump for being both musically and psychologically tone-deaf, failing to realise he is the cause of the failures. With more than half of the original lineup withdrawing, the event has struggled to secure performers for America's 250th birthday.
