Flo Rida appears to be distancing himself from the Republican Party after performing at President Trump’s Great American State Fair on Thursday night.
The “Low” rapper — real name Tramar Lacel Dillard — was one of the last acts remaining at the Freedom 250 event after numerous artists dropped out due to concerns over its political associations.
Billed as a nonpartisan organization, Freedom 250 was launched by Trump last year and is headed by a Trump State Department appointee from his first term, the businessman-philanthropist Keith Krach. Critics have accused the administration of hijacking the national milestone to create a partisan, campaign-style event.
However, the day Flo Rida took the stage on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., he also shared an endorsement for Democrat Bernard Taylor, who is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida’s 21st Congressional District.
The rapper shared an Instagram Story on Thursday endorsing Taylor’s congressional bid, soundtracking the post with Taylor Swift’s hit “Shake It Off” — including its famous refrain: “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.”
open image in gallery
open image in galleryFlo Rida faced widespread backlash for honoring his commitment to play at the event, with many labeling him a “sellout” on social media.
More than half of the original lineup withdrew, including Young MC, The Commodores and Martina McBride.
“I have informed my agents that I will not be performing at the Freedom 250 event,” rapper Young MC, best known for his 1989 hit “Bust a Move,” wrote on Instagram in May.
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“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” he wrote. “And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed…I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
Despite the controversy, Flo Rida drew a large crowd for an energetic performance Thursday.
In footage shared on social media, the rapper was seen telling the audience: “America’s birthday, this is something I don’t take for granted. This is something that’s going down in history, to be here tonight. So, to come out here and show my gift and understand what purpose is, understand what the assignment is. It’s only right that we come out and spread contagious love.”
Despite being billed as a marquee celebration of America’s 250th birthday, photos and videos from multiple days at the fair in Washington have shown large stretches of empty pavement and lightly attended exhibits.
Meanwhile, viral footage shared this week showed part of the main stage collapsing during a rehearsal session, nearly striking a performer.
“We’re grateful to report that everyone is safe. We take the safety of our performers, crew, volunteers, and guests extremely seriously,” a Freedom 250 spokesperson told The Daily Beast.
“The work underway was taking place on the backside of the stage, separate from the front thrust where performers were rehearsing. Additional safeguards and senior technical oversight are now in place as preparations continue. Freedom 250 and our performers remain fully focused on delivering an unforgettable celebration for the American people.”