'Desperate' Vanilla Ice Roasted For Performing At Trump's NYE Party

Vanilla Ice rang in 2026 by revisiting his most famous hit, but the setting sparked a firestorm online. The rapper, best known for his 1990 smash “Ice Ice Baby,” performed at President Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve party at Mar-A-Lago on December 31, and the internet had a lot to say about it. A video circulating on Instagram and X shows Vanilla Ice taking the stage in a white suit and cap, belting out “Ice Ice Baby” while a costumed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle danced nearby.

Internet Drags Vanilla Ice’s Mar-A-Lago Performance

The performance was shared by multiple outlets and fan pages, where commenters wasted no time piling on. Many mocked the choice of performer, the song selection, and the political backdrop all at once.

“The ONLY song he has lol,” one user wrote, a comment that racked up thousands of likes. Another added, “This is the most relevant musician MAGA could get. A one-hit wonder from 35 years ago.”

Others were less nostalgic and more brutal. “No energy, no vibe. They look like they’re trying hard to appear happy on camera than actually enjoying themselves,” one commenter said. “This just ruined my junior high memories,” another wrote.

Some users went even further, calling the performance “tacky,” “washed up,” and “desperate,” while questioning why artists would choose to associate themselves with Trump-hosted events in the first place.

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While Vanilla Ice has performed at high-profile events for decades, this appearance landed differently given Trump’s continued political presence and controversial reputation.

Several commenters framed the performance less as a harmless throwback and more as a statement, intentional or not. “Not surprised the ONLY artists willing to associate are washed-up desperate nobodies,” one user wrote. Another bluntly commented, “Another irrelevant celebrity trying to put money in his pocket.”

The backlash wasn’t limited to political criticism either. Many fans simply couldn’t get past the fact that “Ice Ice Baby” remains Vanilla Ice’s defining moment, more than three decades later.

Trump’s New Year’s Eve Message Added To The Controversy

The backlash wasn’t just about the music. Just hours before the festivities, Trump kicked off the holiday by posting a fiery message on Truth Social, telling a fellow Republican to “rot in hell.” In the post, Trump defended Tina Peters, a former Colorado elections clerk currently serving time in a maximum-security prison after being convicted for her role in a voting machine data breach tied to false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election.

While wishing Peters well, Trump lashed out at Colorado officials involved in her prosecution, directing his anger at the state’s governor and district attorney. “I wish them only the worst,” he wrote, adding, “May they rot in Hell.”

Barron Trump Keeps A Low Profile At Mar-a-Lago NYE Bash

While the music and fireworks were meant to ring in 2026 with fanfare, not everyone at Mar-a-Lago looked thrilled to be there, including Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump.

The 19-year-old spent New Year’s Eve alongside his parents at the club’s black-tie celebration. Although Barron did not arrive with Donald and Melania, he was later photographed inside the venue, standing stiffly between his parents during the evening’s festivities.

At one point, the trio was seated together at a table decorated with white roses as speeches, auctions, and performances unfolded around them. Barron appeared noticeably reserved throughout the night, offering little reaction as cameras snapped and guests mingled.

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago NYE Bash Shifts From Celebs To Politicians

For Donald Trump, ringing in the New Year at Mar-a-Lago is nothing new. He’s been hosting his now-infamous New Year’s Eve bash at the Palm Beach club for more than two decades, long before his first presidential run. Past Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve parties have drawn Martha Stewart, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, and Rod Stewart.

This year’s crowd skewed far more political and power-adjacent, with guests including Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, producer Brett Ratner, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, House Republican Whip Tom Emmer, and former TV host turned U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Love it or hate it, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve bash once again made sure to turn heads and continues to make headlines days later.