Opera tenor Christopher Macchio is set to perform at a June 24 rally in Washington, D.C., celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Thursday. The Holbrook, Long Island native will join country music singer Lee Greenwood and Trump himself for the event, which replaces the planned Freedom 250 concert series after a wave of artist withdrawals.
Quick Facts
- The rally is scheduled for June 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C., to mark the nation’s 250th birthday
- Macchio will perform classical pieces including “Nessun Dorma,” “Hallelujah,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America”
- Multiple artists, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and The Commodores, withdrew from the original Freedom 250 concert series
- Macchio previously sang the national anthem at Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration
Trump praised Macchio in his announcement, stating that “not since the legendary Luciano Pavarotti has there been such a voice.” The president has known Macchio for more than a decade, having first met him at a New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago after another singer canceled. Macchio, a graduate of Sachem High School, has performed at several Trump-related events over the years.
From Concert Series to Rally
The Freedom 250 concert series was originally planned as a nonpolitical celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. However, after major artists pulled out citing concerns about the event’s political ties, Trump pivoted to a rally format with himself as the headline speaker.
Christopher Macchio set to perform at Trump’s Freedom 250 rally in DC
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In addition to Macchio and Greenwood, military bands and choirs representing the U.S. Army, Armed Forces, and Marines will perform at the June 24 event. Trump said he plans to deliver remarks at the rally, marking a shift from the original concert-focused celebration.
Sources
- Newsday — Confirmed Macchio’s performance, the June 24 date and Washington, D.C. location, his background from Holbrook, his 2025 inauguration performance, and Trump’s 13-year relationship with the tenor
- The New York Times — Reported Trump’s Truth Social announcement and the shift from Freedom 250 concerts to a rally format
- Fox News — Confirmed the June 24 rally announcement and the military performances
