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.
âWeâre having a 250th birthday party for America. A concert,â Maher said. âThey announced the lineup: Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels. I think this is very admirable about the president â it shows that heâs concerned for the unemployed.â
Similar to Trumpâs 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 Trumpâs 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, âI was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.â
Maher commented, âAnd then, after they announced this all-star lineup, a lot of them said, âNo, what are you talking about? Weâre not playing.â Thatâs got to hurt a lot when you canât close the deal with Milli Vanilli.â
Despite these withdrawals, Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida, along with Milli Vanilliâs 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.
âHereâs something in the category of wow, we never used to be this country: Theyâre putting out a $250 bill with Trumpâs face on it,â he joked. âI guess itâs commemorative. Republicans in Congress are thrilled about it. They canât wait to carry it in their wallet. What a switcheroo: having Trumpâs face next to their ass.â
