Former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell has criticized country music star Martina McBride for withdrawing from an upcoming performance at the Freedom 250 concert series, accusing her of being anti-Trump due to her left-wing affiliations.
The announcement follows McBride’s decision to pull out of the event scheduled during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. on June 25th. In a statement posted to X, McBride stated that she had been assured by organizers the event was nonpartisan and designed to celebrate all 50 states through music.
“I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th,” McBride wrote. “I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.”
McBride said she had asked numerous questions before agreeing to participate and believed it would unite Americans through music. She did not specify what led her to conclude the event was partisan.
Grenell, who served as ambassador to Germany during President Trump’s first administration and is a prominent supporter of the former president, responded directly on social media with a comment labeling McBride a “woke Lefty.”
Organizers of the Great American State Fair have described the Freedom 250 concert series as part of a nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event has faced public scrutiny over its lineup and associations with conservative political figures.
Neither Grenell nor McBride has provided further details beyond their initial statements.
