In a move that has stunned precisely no one, Donald Trump has demanded the cancellation of the US Freedom 250 festival after a mass exodus of performers left the event looking less like a celebration of liberty and more like a wet firework on a rainy July 4th. The festival, intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, has been abandoned by a cavalcade of musical acts citing 'creative differences' with the host, which is diplomatic for 'we don't want to be associated with a man who thinks a coup is just a poorly planned barbecue.' Trump, apparently under the impression that a festival can be commanded into existence by tweet, declared: 'Cancel it.
Very overrated. Sad!' This from a man who once tried to trademark the phrase 'You're fired.
' The irony is so thick you could spread it on a hot dog. One can only imagine the logistical nightmare of 'cancelling' an event that already had no acts, no tickets sold, and a venue that consisted of a single, lonely flagpole in a field of good intentions. It is a triumph of visionary incompetence, a masterpiece of modern political theatre.
The artists, to their credit, have demonstrated a level of self-respect that eludes most of Washington. They have chosen principle over paycheque, art over artifice. Meanwhile, the orange spectre of American politics shuffles off to his next debacle, leaving behind a trail of broken contracts and shattered illusions.
The festival was supposed to unite the nation. Instead, it has become a perfect metaphor for the current state of American democracy: a grand idea, abandoned by its most talented citizens, and ultimately dictated by a man who cannot tell the difference between a national celebration and a ratings flop. God save the Queen, indeed.
