Are Trump's Inauguration Performers Pledging Allegiance To His Presidency?

Carrie Underwood at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025 held in Times Square on December 31, 2024, in New York, New York. Compared to the various declarations of resistance we saw eight years ago, there’s much less objection to the incoming Trump 2.0 tide, something made apparent by the president-elect’s inaugural guest list. In a statement issued to multiple outlets, the eight-time Grammy winner defended her decision to participate in the ceremony, saying: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” Underwood added: “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” Underwood’s appearance — and the lack of significant pushback against it — marks a complete 180 from Trump’s 2017 inauguration, when he struggled to book performers willing to support his controversial presidency, according to Vox. Many people condemned R&B singer Chrisette Michele for performing at Trump’s first ceremony, a decision that ultimately derailed her career despite her hopes to build a “bridge” for the divided nation. So far, none of Trump’s 2025 inauguration performers — which include Billy Ray Cyrus, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Village People and reportedly Nelly — have drawn such intense backlash, and they probably never will.