Vanilla Ice Canceled from Trump‑Backed Freedom 250 State Fair Due to Weather

The headline performance by Vanilla Ice at Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 State Fair was canceled less than two hours before his scheduled appearance.

The “Ice Ice Baby” rapper—real name Robert Van Winkle—had been slated to perform as part of the troubled ‘I Love the 90s!’ concert at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 26. However, later that afternoon Freedom 250 announced the fair would close for the remainder of the day due to inclement weather.

The organization posted on X: “The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our top priority. We are actively monitoring conditions and will reopen at 10 a.m. the following day.”

The cancellation came just hours after Vanilla Ice posted from the National Mall, calling the show a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” moment.

In a video from the site, he said, “We’re about to have a great party tonight. This is going to be epic.”

Due to inclement weather in the area, the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair and FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone will be closed for the rest of the day — Friday, June 26, 2026.

The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our top priority. We are actively…

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) June 26, 2026

The Great American State Fair is part of Freedom 250, the Trump‑backed organization established to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The concert series has faced controversy since its announcement last month, as several acts have withdrawn or distanced themselves from the event.

Vanilla Ice remained one of the last performers on the ‘I Love the 90s!’ bill. Morris Day & The Time denied participation shortly after the lineup was released, and The Commodores, Young MC, Bret Michaels and Martina McBride also pulled out.

Young MC stated that the artists were never informed about any political affiliations when booked, while McBride noted that she was presented with what was described as a “nonpartisan event” that ultimately proved misleading.

Vanilla Ice defended his earlier decision to stay on the bill, saying he did not view the show as political. “It’s simple as a pimple for me, there’s nothing to it,” he said. “It’s the birthday of America—two hundred and fifty years. It’s not anything to do with politics. I don’t know why they’re turning it into politics.”

He also added that he would perform for anyone in any location, saying, “Putin. Whoever. You want—I’d go to Iran. Don’t matter.”

Travis C. stepped in for a rally at the opening event on Wednesday, June 24, after many of the original lineup departed. Opera singer Christopher Macchio performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” despite objections from the late singer’s estate.

A statement from the Cohen estate noted, “The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song ‘Hallelujah’ is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24. This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage.”

The Great American State Fair is scheduled to run until July 10.

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