By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-05-30 16:46:47 | Updated at 2026-06-06 09:05:38
6 days ago
President Donald Trump has likened himself to being more popular than Elvis was in his prime as he revealed his plan to cancel America's 250th birthday concert as artists drop out and make himself the new headliner.
Trump, 79, is ready to add another career accomplishment to the end of his name as he called himself 'the goat' – which stands for the greatest of all time – and said he would take over as the main headliner of the event.
Although viewers will not get to see Trump don a sparkly one-piece or see him showcase his vocals, as he said he will turn the event into a rally, and instead give a speech at it.
'I am ordering my Representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'Same time, same location. Only Great Patriots invited – It will be a Wild and Beautiful Celebration of America!'
Trump said unlike The King, who needed a guitar to wow his fans, all the president needs is a microphone and a good speech to get 'much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime,' he wrote.
The Republican said he would 'take the place of these highly paid, Third Rate “Artists,” and give a major speech, rallying the Country forward like I have done ever since being President!'
'Two years ago, the United States was DEAD. Now we have the “HOTTEST” Country anywhere in the World,' he wrote.
'I don’t want so-called “Artists” that get paid far too much money, who aren’t happy. I only want to be surrounded by Happy People, Smart People, Successful People, and People that know how to WIN.'
President Donald Trump has likened himself to being more popular than Elvis was in his prime as he proposes cancel America's birthday concert and making it a rally with him headlining instead
Trump said unlike The King, who needed a guitar to wow his fans, all the president needs is a microphone and a good speech to get 'much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime,' he wrote
His Saturday outburst comes after several artists dropped out of the concert due to backlash and threats.
Poison frontman, Bret Michaels, said late Thursday that he had jumped at the chance to honor the nation, only to pull out, fearing for the safety of his relatives, friends and bandmates.
He joins Morris Day, Young MC, the Commodores and Martina McBride, with five of the nine headline acts dropping out since the lineup was announced on Wednesday – and just a month before the music festival kicks off on the National Mall.
The artists say they were led to believe Freedom 250 was a nonpartisan commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, only to learn that it was tied to the Trump Administration.
Michaels said the event pitched to him by organizers had 'evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.'
The rocker, 63, said he had been sold on the idea that the concert was 'a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans,' but the politics surrounding the event had put his family, friends and bandmates at risk.
'Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable,' Michaels said in a statement.
He insisted: 'This isn't about politics. It's about staying true to what I've always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That's one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I've always respected. But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.'
His Saturday outburst comes after several artists dropped out of the concert due to backlash and threats, including Poison frontman, Bret Michaels
Vanilla Ice has defended Trump's concert as the rapper confirmed he is still taking to the stage during the festivities next month
Michaels's departure deepens the crisis for the event organizers, who are now left with just four acts: Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory, and Milli Vanilli.
Vanilla Ice has defended Trump's Freedom 250 concert as the rapper confirmed he is still taking to the stage during the festivities next month.
The Ice Ice Baby hitmaker, 58, explained to TMZ on Friday that music should be bringing the country together and added the focus should be simply on celebrating the United States.
'I'm here to party with America, man. Music is made to bring people together and that's what we are here to do. And we're just gonna represent the 90s.'
The star, whose real name is Robert Matthew Van Winkle, explained that he doesn't 'take anything too serious' and added that he doesn't 'think anybody else should' as well.
He continued that the intention is to 'bring people together' rather than being a 'political thing.'
