Vanilla Ice says he remains committed to performing at the Great American State Fair despite a growing list of artists who have withdrawn from the event amid political backlash, as reported by Fox News.

The 16-day festival is scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 through July 10 as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event is being organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit supported by President Donald Trump and working alongside the White House Task Force 250.

Since organizers announced the lineup on May 29, several performers have stepped away from the event, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, the Commodores, Morris Day, and others.

"I don’t even vote, so I don’t even care,” the “Ice Ice Baby” rapper said. https://t.co/cedd1usEGd pic.twitter.com/6s3FGkdEd8

— KTLA (@KTLA) June 1, 2026

During an interview with Fox News Digital on Monday, Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, said the criticism surrounding the festival has only strengthened his determination to participate.

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“I'm reinforced. I'm here. I am committed. Once you commit, you don't quit, man. And that's how I am,” the 58-year-old performer said.

Vanilla Ice said he viewed the invitation as an honor and described the event as an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday.

“I was so honored, man, my mom is proud of me, everybody,” he said. “It's such a cool thing to go celebrate your country and enjoy the birthday.”

The rapper argued that the event has been unfairly drawn into political debates.

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“And the way the people are dragging this into politics, it's not fair,” he said. “It is not fair to us as entertainers for sure. And I think that this shouldn't be looked at as political or anything.”

Vanilla Ice also expressed appreciation for President Trump and his family, noting that he lives in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is located.

“I'm happy that Trump's putting this on,” Vanilla Ice said. “I'm honored that he invited me. I've played for him many times. They're great friends of mine.”

“They're really good people. They've shown me a great time,” he added. “I enjoy them.”

The entertainer said he does not view performances through a political lens and would perform for public figures across the political spectrum.

He said he would perform for former President Joe Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and their families just as he would for others because fans of his music come from different backgrounds.

“I don't vote,” Vanilla Ice said. “I don't waste my time with that. It's more about pina coladas and palm trees with me. I don't take any of these things serious, especially this whole mess. But some people do, and I respect them all, man.”

“I love everybody,” he continued. “This world needs more damn love, you know? That's the truth behind it. We need to show more love, man, to all of our countrymen, and both sides need to come together.”

Vanilla Ice also addressed criticism he received after saying he would perform for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I sure will,” he said. “I have.”

He recalled performing in Russia in 1993 during the White Nights Festival in Saint Petersburg when former Russian President Boris Yeltsin attended the event.

“He was out there with the machine gun guards around the whole room and jamming and dancing with all of his grandkids,” Vanilla Ice said.

“People, you cannot as a musician, you cannot pick your fans. They pick you, and you play. Shut up and play, man. You know, this isn't something that you have some kind of stance or a political platform to be something that you're not. You're a freaking entertainer. Entertain.”

Vanilla Ice said he was disappointed that the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration had become politically divisive.

“It's kinda shocking to me that we can't celebrate the birthday of our country, man, turning 250,” he said. “I was born and raised here, man. I'm proud to be an American. I wanna celebrate this, you know? And I'm honored to be doing this. This is a huge honor.”

The performer said he had spoken with some of the artists who decided to withdraw, including Young MC.

“Young MC was the first one I spoke to, and we just looked at each other and go, 'Man, it's crazy, right?' And I go, 'I know, bro,'” Vanilla Ice said.

Freedom 250 has not canceled the event. Following the departures, President Trump suggested he could replace the entertainment lineup with a rally-style appearance, and organizers later announced that he would headline the opening ceremony.

As preparations continue, Vanilla Ice said he plans to remain part of the celebration regardless of the controversy.

“But for me, I'm gonna celebrate my country, and I don't think anybody should tell me I shouldn't, and I'm honored to be on this,” he said.

NEW: Vanilla Ice joined “TMZ LIVE,” explaining why he won't drop out of Freedom 250 in D.C.

"I'll go play for Putin, and I'll play in Iran if you want... Music is not political, man.""We're just entertainers, man. Just get out, shut up, and play."pic.twitter.com/x8f4AH2TKr— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) May 29, 2026

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