In celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary of independence, a series of events have been planned, including a live concert on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. However, several prominent American musicians have recently announced their withdrawal from the performance due to concerns about being drawn into political disputes. On May 30, former President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the artists' decisions, stating his intention to hold a political rally and deliver a speech as the "opening act" for the celebration series.

According to reports from multiple foreign media outlets, five out of the nine previously announced performers for the concert have now pulled out, including American rock band frontman Bret Michaels and country singer Martina McBride.

Michaels explained on social media that the event he initially agreed to participate in has now become overtly "divisive," and he prefers not to be involved. McBride also issued a statement saying she believed she was invited to a "non-partisan event" but later felt "misled."

Trump took to social media to criticize the artists' withdrawals, hinting that the concert might be canceled. He suggested organizing a large "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) political rally instead, featuring himself as the main attraction to replace what he called "third-rate artists." He claimed his audience size would surpass that of rock legend Elvis Presley at his peak.

He mentioned instructing his team to explore the feasibility of holding a rally on the National Mall where he would deliver a speech. The organizing committee for the celebrations, "Freedom 250," confirmed on May 30 that Trump would personally kick off the events on June 24.

This year's July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, with officially organized celebrations spanning from June to July. Many of these events bear a distinct Trump imprint, raising public scrutiny.

For instance, on June 14, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday, an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event is scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn.

According to UFC promotional materials, an octagon will be set up on the South Lawn, with seating arranged for thousands of spectators. Enhanced images show simulated figures resembling Trump and UFC President Dana White seated in prime positions adjacent to the fighting arena.

Additionally, a temporary venue in the adjacent President's Park will accommodate 75,000 to 100,000 spectators who can watch the event for free.

It is reported that the pre-fight weigh-in ceremony will be held at the Lincoln Memorial.

As a UFC event held at the heart of American political power, tickets for the White House fight are not publicly sold. However, the most exclusive access comes at a premium.

Trump stated last week, "I've never seen people so eager for something. Everyone is scrambling for those tickets. This will be a one-of-a-kind UFC event."

According to Dana White, of the over 4,000 tickets granting access to the South Lawn, he has 200 to distribute, while UFC's parent company, TKO Group, holds another 200. Trump himself will issue more than 1,000 tickets, with the remainder allocated to U.S. military personnel—meaning the majority of tickets will be distributed by the White House.

Media reports indicate that sponsorship packages including seats next to the octagon are priced at $1 million or higher, with some reports citing figures as high as $1.5 million.

Simultaneously, the Pentagon has issued a new "recruitment notice"—not for combat, but to attend the UFC fight at the White House. The plan aims to recruit over 1,000 enlisted soldiers and junior officers as spectators for the event.

Military documents state that family members are not permitted to accompany participants. Soldiers must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses and meet strict physical fitness requirements: waist circumference must not exceed 55% of their height, and they must pass relevant physical tests.

The event will be held outdoors with standing room only, offering no seating or cover.

In other related developments, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were selected by Trump, has approved featuring Trump's portrait on a commemorative gold coin for the 250th anniversary. The Treasury Department announced it would imprint Trump's signature on newly issued $100 bills. Additionally, the Treasury sought to introduce a $250 commemorative note bearing Trump's portrait but is seeking congressional authorization, as current U.S. law prohibits featuring living persons on currency.