Country singer Martina McBride says she is pulling out of a large Washington, D.C., concert tied to the U.S. 250th birthday celebrations. McBride tells followers that when she agreed to perform, she believed the event was nonpartisan, but later concluded it carried more political messaging than she understood at the time. Several outlets report that the concert series, referred to as “Freedom 250,” is organized by or connected to Keith Krach, described in coverage as a Trump appointee. McBride’s decision is presented as part of a broader wave of artists withdrawing from the National Mall performances. The outlets also note that her plans were scheduled to include a performance during the summer at a D.C.-area event. Fox News reports that her withdrawal triggered online backlash from some critics, who respond to her decision using strong language. McBride frames her exit as the result of being misled about the event’s character, while other coverage highlights growing public and entertainment-industry pushback against the Trump-backed branding. The concert series is still characterized in reporting as part of the country’s America 250 commemoration.