Vanilla Ice was one of the few performers who had not pulled out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair. Then the event was canceled anyway.
The Trump-backed celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary shut down his set on Friday, June 26, citing inclement weather in the Washington D.C. area. The cancellation came abruptly, according to Deadline, shortly after the rapper had posted a video from sound check at the National Mall.
"Guess where we are," he said in the clip. "We got the [Washington] Monument right there. We're about to have a great party tonight. This is gonna be epic."
An event staffer posted the official announcement to X. "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 post read. "The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our top priority. We are actively monitoring conditions and will provide updates as they become available." The post added that the fair would reopen the following morning at 10 AM.
Freedom 250 is the public-private group formed by the Trump administration to mark the semiquincentennial. The event is scheduled to run at the National Mall through July 10.
Vanilla Ice had already been put on the defensive before the cancellation. Last month, after musicians including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Morris Day, Young MC, and The Commodores dropped out over their objections to the event's connection to the Trump administration, he posted a defense of his decision to stay on the bill.
"Happy birthday America 250 years. It's gonna be an epic party," he wrote on Instagram. "This is to bring us all together. I'm tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one. This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America's birthday. Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories. Hope you guys can join us."
The Grammy nominee is best known for his 1990 hit "Ice Ice Baby."
