After a number of performers – including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels – dropped out of “Freedom 250” events organized by President Donald Trump administration, a performer with closer ties to the government ended up on the roster.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, has received allegations of ethical violations over it, according to Rolling Stone. However, the musician took to X to defend herself.
“I have been a country music artist for years now,” she wrote. “I have had a successful career in both music and commentary/strategy. People don’t get to negate that for clicks or headlines. I was invited to sing this anthem on my own accord, as I have been many other places throughout my career.”
Wilkins, 27, also noted that she’s not receiving payment for the performance. According to USA Today, Wilkins is from Boston but grew up in London, Switzerland and Arkansas. She’s performed at conservative political events in the past.
She’s been in a relationship with Patel, 46, since 2023. They’ve been at the center of backlash before, with The New York Times reporting that Patel had provided unprecedented security for Wilkins using FBI resources. Patel argued that she has been the subject of multiple death threats in a Dec. 16 episode of The Katie Miller Podcast.
Freedom 250 events to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary include the “Great American State Fair” that began Tuesday and runs through July 10. Musicians who dropped out have indicated that they thought the Trump administration was making the events too political.
