President Donald Trump is reportedly considering transforming a planned America 250 celebration concert into a large political rally after several performers withdrew from the event amid controversy surrounding its ties to the Trump administration.
According to the report, Trump announced on Truth Social that he wants aides to examine replacing the concert with what he called an “AMERICA IS BACK Rally.”
“I am ordering my Representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally,” Trump wrote. “Same time, same location. Only Great Patriots invited – It will be a Wild and Beautiful Celebration of America!”
The proposed event would replace a planned concert commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Trump argued that he could personally headline the celebration rather than relying on musical performers.
In the post, he referred to himself as “THE GOAT” and claimed he could draw larger crowds than legendary rock-and-roll icon Elvis Presley at the height of his fame.
Trump wrote that unlike Presley, who performed with a guitar, he only needs “a microphone and a good speech” to attract massive audiences.
The remarks came after a growing number of artists withdrew from the Freedom 250 concert.
Among the most notable departures was Bret Michaels, who said he initially agreed to participate because he believed the event was a nonpartisan celebration of America and its veterans.
Michaels later announced he was withdrawing after concerns emerged about safety threats directed toward himself, his family and members of his band.
“Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself,” Michaels said in a statement.
Several other performers reportedly also exited the event after learning it had become closely associated with the Trump administration.
According to the report, five of the nine original headline acts have now withdrawn.
Remaining performers reportedly include Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli, per the Daily Mail.
Vanilla Ice publicly defended the event, saying the purpose should be celebrating the U.S. rather than focusing on politics.
“Music is made to bring people together,” he said.
The story also highlighted Trump’s long-standing admiration for Elvis Presley.
Trump has repeatedly compared himself to Presley over the years and has joked publicly that people have told him they look alike.
In 2024, he even shared an image combining his face with Presley’s and asked followers for their opinion.
Whether the America 250 concert is ultimately replaced by a rally remains unclear. Organizers have not announced a final decision, but the withdrawal of multiple performers has created uncertainty surrounding one of the largest planned celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
