Vanilla Ice has expressed confusion over why some artists are offended by his decision to perform at President Donald Trump's upcoming "Great American State Fair" concert series, which celebrates the country's 250th anniversary. The rapper, born Robert Van Winkle, appeared on Fox News on Saturday, telling host Kayleigh McEnany that he is "proud" to be part of the event.
Vanilla Ice's Defense
"It's crazy that all the attention is coming down on all this event and everything because I'm honored and just super proud," Van Winkle said. "My mom is proud and everybody I know is like, 'This is awesome.' And then there's some people that are bailing out and all this stuff."
He questioned why artists are backing out, stating, "This will be the greatest concert on the planet. We're turning 250 years. Let's celebrate the country that we're born and raised in. What's wrong with being patriotic?" He noted that critics have said, "Oh, because Trump's putting it on."
Trump's Policies and Controversies
Van Winkle's comments come amid Trump's controversial policies, including mass deportations, increased detentions of children, and an unpopular war with Iran. Despite this, Van Winkle praised Trump's ability to host events. "So who throws a better party than Trump?" he said. "Man, I've been to a lot of them. That guy knows how to throw a real party and they're classy, they're great, they're fun and just over the top — and amazing."
Event Details and Artist Withdrawals
The concert series, set to take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is curated by Freedom 250, a group Trump created by executive order, which describes itself as non-partisan. Trump also plans to host a Ultimate Fighting Championship event in front of the White House. Several artists have dropped out, claiming the event was presented as nonpartisan. Trump has since lashed out on Truth Social, boasting he might replace these "Third Rate 'Artists'" with a speech by himself, whom he called "the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World."
Vanilla Ice's Perspective
Van Winkle argued that those opposing Trump are "shaken up on their beliefs, politically," and that entertainers should not be "put on that kind of a pedestal." He suggested his participation should not be seen as an endorsement. "It's like a DJ, you can throw it on for any wedding," he said. "If Joe Biden is getting married, you can throw it on for him. I'm sure there's fans over there on that side, too. It's about coming together, it's about being American."
