Arabic version: ترامب يخطط لتجمع بعد انسحاب الفنانين من حفلات الاستقلال

Former President Donald Trump announced plans to headline a rally on his birthday after several artists canceled their performances at a concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The cancellations occurred shortly after the artists were revealed as part of a concert series scheduled for the Fourth of July holiday, which some performers cited as becoming too politicized.

According to SBS News, Trump expressed his intention to replace the departing artists with himself, claiming he could attract larger audiences than Elvis Presley. He mentioned on Truth Social that he understands artists are getting ‘the yips’ about performing at the event.

The concerts were intended to kick off on June 25 as part of the Great American State Fair, a major event organized by Freedom 250, a group backing Trump. With several high-profile artists, including country singer Martina McBride and glam rocker Bret Michaels, opting out, questions have arisen about the event’s viability.

Trump is reportedly ordering aides to evaluate the feasibility of an “AMERICA IS BACK Rally” on the mall, where he would deliver a speech rallying the country forward. The event is set against the backdrop of a cage for a UFC fight being constructed on the White House lawn, coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday.

The remaining lineup of artists has drawn criticism on social media, with many noting their lack of current popularity. The Great American State Fair will run from June 25 to July 10, featuring various attractions across the National Mall, but the recent artist withdrawals have cast doubt on the event’s original vision.