Vanilla Ice Confused by Criticism of Trump Concert Appearance

WHO:

HuffPost - Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, is participating in President Trump's concert series.

Yahoo News New Zealand - President Trump is organizing the "Great American State Fair" concert series.

WHAT:

HuffPost - Vanilla Ice expressed confusion over the backlash against his participation in President Trump's concert series.

Yahoo News New Zealand - The concert series is part of celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary and will last for 16 days.

Yahoo News New Zealand - Multiple artists have canceled their appearances at the concert series.

WHERE:

Yahoo News New Zealand - The event will be held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

WHY:

HuffPost - Vanilla Ice stated that he is "honored and just super proud" to be part of the event and questioned why others are offended.

Yahoo News New Zealand - He suggested that those opposing Trump and the concert series are "shaken up on their beliefs, politically."

HOW:

HuffPost - Vanilla Ice appeared on Fox News to discuss his views on the concert and the backlash he received.

Yahoo News New Zealand - The concert series is curated by Freedom 250, a non-partisan organization created by Trump through executive order.

(UPDATED June 7, 2026 11:28 UTC)

President Trump is organizing a concert series called the "Great American State Fair" to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, which will take place over 16 days at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, is participating in the series and expressed confusion over the backlash he has faced, stating he feels "honored and just super proud" to be part of the event. He also shared his thoughts on Fox News, suggesting that those opposing Trump and the concert series may be "shaken up on their beliefs, politically," as multiple artists have canceled their appearances.