Before Neil deGrasse Tyson, who faces accusations of sexual harassment, appeared for an interview, “Real Time” host Bill Maher devoted a significant portion of his Friday night monologue to critiquing President Trump’s Freedom 250 concert series. This event, aimed at celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 6, is set to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“We’re having a 250th birthday party for America. A concert,” Maher said. “They announced the lineup: Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels. I think this is very admirable about the president — it shows that he’s concerned for the unemployed.”
Similar to Trump’s 2017 pre-inauguration concert, which included acts like The Piano Guys and DJ Ravidrums, the Freedom 250 Concert is experiencing high-profile cancellations. Several artists have claimed they were unaware of Trump’s involvement when they agreed to perform. Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, along with the original members of Milli Vanilli, have all decided to withdraw. Martina McBride also announced her departure via Twitter, stating, “I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.”
Maher commented, “And then, after they announced this all-star lineup, a lot of them said, ‘No, what are you talking about? We’re not playing.’ That’s got to hurt a lot when you can’t close the deal with Milli Vanilli.”
Despite these withdrawals, Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida, along with Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan, who was known for lip-syncing, are still set to perform at the Freedom 250 concert series, which is scheduled from June 25 to July 10.
Maher continued his critique of Trump.
“Here’s something in the category of wow, we never used to be this country: They’re putting out a $250 bill with Trump’s face on it,” he joked. “I guess it’s commemorative. Republicans in Congress are thrilled about it. They can’t wait to carry it in their wallet. What a switcheroo: having Trump’s face next to their ass.”
