Country music star Zac Brown is brushing aside criticism surrounding his upcoming appearance at President Donald Trump’s historic UFC event at the White House, saying his performance is about honoring America and the military—not politics.
Brown, the frontman of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, confirmed during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he will perform the national anthem alongside the United States Marine Band before Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
The singer addressed concerns from critics who have questioned performers participating in a high-profile event hosted by the Trump administration.
“Man, I’m there for the troops, man,” Brown said. “I’m there to honor America. This is patriotism, not politics for me. I mean, f— all the division. I don’t believe in that. I love this country.”
Brown emphasized that his decision to participate has nothing to do with partisan politics and everything to do with honoring the sacrifices made by America’s service members.
“I love all the people that have sacrificed so that I can live my American dream and that everyone that lives here gets a chance to do that if they work hard and make the right decisions,” he said. “So it doesn’t have a place in politics for me.”
According to Brown, roughly 8,000 members of the military are expected to attend the event, making the opportunity even more meaningful.
“I’m so excited for this weekend,” Brown said. “And it’s history, man, getting to be part of American history. Having the first sporting event that’s on the lawn of the White House. I mean, it’s an honor.”
As first reported by Fox News, the UFC event is being staged as part of celebrations surrounding America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The June 14 event coincides with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday and is expected to draw thousands of attendees.
Preparations for the unprecedented event have been underway for weeks. Workers have installed a massive steel structure known as “The Claw” on the White House grounds, transforming part of the South Lawn into a venue capable of hosting one of the UFC’s most high-profile showcases.
The event has generated significant attention—and controversy.
Over the weekend, a government watchdog organization called The Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Virginia residents seeking to halt the event. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue that construction and security measures associated with the UFC showcase will interfere with public access to portions of the White House and National Mall area. The filing also criticized the event’s temporary structures, describing them as visually intrusive.
Despite the legal challenge and political backlash, Brown made it clear he has no intention of backing away from the performance.
READ NEXT: Trump Suggests Federal Takeover Of DC If Democratic Socialist Wins Mayor’s Race
