Bill Maher took aim at Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 concert after performers pulled out. The HBO host turned the list of withdrawals into one of the biggest jokes of his show. The controversy centers on a planned concert series tied to America’s 250th birthday celebrations in Washington, D.C. As artists continue distancing themselves from the event, Maher used the situation as fresh material during a recent episode of Real Time.
Bill Maher jokes about Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 concert
Maher, a veteran comedian, political commentator, and longtime host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, dedicated part of his opening monologue to the Freedom 250 concert. The event is scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall and was announced as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
While discussing the concert, Maher joked about the original lineup, which included names such as Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, and Bret Michaels. “I think this is very admirable about the president — it shows that he’s concerned for the unemployed,” Maher quipped (via Variety).
The bigger issue for organizers came after multiple performers announced they would no longer participate. According to reports, Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and the original singers of Milli Vanilli all stepped away from the event. Country singer Martina McBride also withdrew, saying she had originally been told it was a nonpartisan celebration before learning more details about the concert.
Maher did not let that development pass quietly. Referring to the artist departures, he joked, “That’s got to hurt a lot when you can’t close the deal with Milli Vanilli.” Despite the exits, performers including Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, and Milli Vanilli member Fab Morvan remain attached to the event.
The comedian also shifted to another Trump-related topic during the monologue, mocking reports about a commemorative $250 bill featuring the president’s image. Maher delivered another punchline about lawmakers wanting to carry it in their wallets.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
