Bill Maher jokes Freedom 250 lineup shows Trump is ‘concerned for the unemployed’
WASHINGTON, DC: Bill Maher poked fun at President Donald Trump after multiple artists backed out of the upcoming Freedom 250 concert series tied to America’s 250th birthday celebration.
The comedian host used his show 'Real Time' to roast the lineup and the growing list of performers distancing themselves from the event. Maher joked that Trump’s concert choices showed he was “concerned for the unemployed.”
Bill Maher quips about Freedom 250 lineup and artist pullouts
“We’re having a big 250th birthday party for America, a concert,” Maher said on the Friday, May 29, show. “They announced the lineup. Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels.”
He then delivered the punchline that drove the segment. “I think this is very admirable about the president, it shows he’s concerned for the unemployed,” Maher joked.
Maher kept going on about reports that several performers no longer wanted involvement with the concert series.
“And then, after they announced this all-star lineup, a lot of them said, ‘No, what are you talking about? We’re not playing,'” he said. “That’s got to hurt a lot when you can’t close the deal with Milli Vanilli.”
The comedian’s remarks came as the Freedom 250 concert lineup continued unraveling days before the events are set to begin on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Bret Michaels exits lineup citing safety threats
On Friday, Bret Michaels joined the growing list of artists pulling out of the event.
In a statement on Instagram, the Poison frontman said the celebration had become “much more divisive” than what he originally agreed to support.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” he said.
He also cited safety concerns tied to the backlash surrounding the concert.
“Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable,” the statement read.
Michaels added, “This isn’t about politics. It’s about staying true to what I’ve always believed in.”
The singer said he respected differing opinions but had to take threats seriously “as a father, friend and bandmate.”
Young MC, Morris Day, the Commodores, and Martina McBride have also exited the Freedom 250 concert slate.
Even Milli Vanilli appeared caught off guard by the announcement. Jodie Rocco, a member of the group, told the Associated Press she was “shocked” to see the Milli Vanilli name included in the lineup.
The Freedom 250 event is scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The concert series is part of the Freedom 250 public-private partnership backed by the Trump administration.
