Bill Maher had a field day with President Donald Trump’s increasingly troubled Freedom 250 concert series on Friday night’s episode of Real Time.
The HBO host mocked the event’s lineup and the growing number of artists distancing themselves from it, comparing the situation to Trump’s widely ridiculed 2017 pre-inauguration concert, which struggled to attract major talent and ultimately featured performers like The Piano Guys and DJ Ravidrums.
The Freedom 250 concert appears to be facing similar issues. In recent days, a number of artists have backed out of the event, with several claiming they were unaware of Trump’s involvement when they initially agreed to participate.
“We’re having a big 250th birthday party for America, a concert. They announced the lineup. Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels,” Maher said during his opening monologue. “I think this is very admirable about the president, it shows he’s concerned for the unemployed.”
Maher then turned to the string of performers who have since denied involvement or withdrawn from the celebration.
“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 joked. “That’s got to hurt a lot when you can’t close the deal with Milli Vanilli.”
His comments came as the list of departures continued to grow. On Friday, Bret Michaels and The Commodores joined several artists who have publicly exited the Freedom 250 lineup.
In a statement posted to his website, the Poison frontman said “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.”
“Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable,” Michaels continued. “Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance. … This isn’t about politics. It’s about staying true to what I’ve always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That’s one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I’ve always respected. But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.”
Young MC, Morris Day and Martina McBride have also departed the event. Meanwhile, Milli Vanilli was listed as part of the lineup despite apparent confusion from the group itself. Jodie Rocco, a member of the act, told the Associated Press that she was “shocked” to see the Milli Vanilli name included among the announced performers.
Maher wasn’t finished roasting Trump, either.
“Here’s something in the category of wow, we never used to be this country: They’re putting out a $250 bill with Trump’s face on it,” he cracked. “I guess it’s commemorative. Republicans in Congress are thrilled about it. They can’t wait to carry it in their wallet. What a switcheroo: having Trump’s face next to their ass.”
The Freedom 250 concert series is scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 through July 10 as part of a public-private partnership backed by the Trump administration ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.