Bill Maher Calls Out Trump’s Freedom 250 Concert: Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli Headline Troubled Event
A Controversial Lineup for America’s 250th
“It’s a 250th birthday party,” Maher said, contrasting the planned concert with what he called an “embarrassing” pre-inauguration event in 2017.
On the July 6 episode of HBO's Real Time, host Bill Maher took aim at the Trump administration’s Freedom 250 concert series, scheduled for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to honor America’s 250th birthday. Maher noted the announced lineup included Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, and Bret Michaels, characterizing the event as underwhelming in both star power and resonance.
Mass Cancellations Rock the Series
The concert series has since suffered a wave of high-profile withdrawals. Artists including Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and the original singers of Milli Vanilli have all pulled out.
Country singer Martina McBride stated she was initially presented with a nonpartisan opportunity to perform but later learned the event’s true nature was misleading. Commenting on the cancellations, Maher noted the irony of struggling to secure commitments from acts like Milli Vanilli, saying, “If you can’t get Milli Vanilli, you really have a problem.”
Who’s Still Playing?
As of the latest reports, Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida remain scheduled to perform. The concert series is planned to run from June 25 through July 10.
A $250 Bill—With Trump’s Face
In a separate but related jab, Maher remarked on a commemorative $250 bill reportedly featuring Trump’s face, adding that Republicans in Congress are said to be pleased with the design.