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The Commodores, Morris Day, and Young MC Drop Out of “Freedom 250” Concerts in D.C.

The Commodores are the latest act to withdraw from the "Freedom 250" concert series in Washington, D.C. next month. Their departure follows Morris Day and Young MC, as artists face backlash over the event's ties to former President Trump.

Variety Music·May 28, 2026·via Variety Music

The Commodores, Morris Day, and Young MC Drop Out of “Freedom 250” Concerts in D.C.

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May 28, 2026 3:26pm PT

The Commodores Become Latest Act to Ditch ‘Freedom 250’ Concerts in D.C. After Backlash Over Trump Ties

Their exit follows the departures of Morris Day and Young MC... with some confusion over where C&C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli stand.

By Chris Willman

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Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

ChrisWillman

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The Commodores are the latest act to announce their exit from the Freedom 250 concert series set for Washington, D.C. next month, following the declared departures of Morris Day and Young MC from the retro-heavy bill.

The exits have followed quick backlash from fans of these respective artists after the concerts were announced Wednesday morning, with many unhappy that the musicians signed up to perform for an event aligned with a Donald J. Trump-founded organization.