Robert Van Winkle — performing as Vanilla Ice — is not leaving the Trump administration’s “Freedom 250” festival lineup, and he wants the record to reflect that the offer is open much further afield.
In comments to Variety, Van Winkle said he would play for Vladimir Putin and would perform in Iran if asked, adding that “music is not political.” The remarks came after a reported exodus of artists from the White House-adjacent event, which is tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The festival has drawn scrutiny as acts have publicly cited political objections to the booking. Van Winkle did not name the departing artists. He did not elaborate on the logistics of the Putin or Iran bookings.
Van Winkle has not had a charting single since 1991. “Ice Ice Baby” peaked at number one in October of that year.
The “Freedom 250” lineup, as it now stands, has not been officially confirmed in full by the White House or the event’s organizers.
Van Winkle, for his part, remains available — geopolitical considerations permitting.