Rapper Vanilla Ice, born Robert Van Winkle, confirmed his intention to perform at the Trump-organized Freedom 250 event, part of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Despite a majority of scheduled acts, including The Commodores, Martina McBride, and Bret Michaels, withdrawing due to backlash and concerns about the event's political nature, Vanilla Ice stated he would "go play for anybody," naming Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran as potential venues if invited and paid. He asserted that art should be separate from politics and that he has never inquired about the partisan nature of events he performs at, viewing himself solely as an entertainer. This comes as Donald Trump announced he would headline the event with a speech on June 24, following artist withdrawals.