When President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration rolled around, the entertainment world witnessed a surprising shift. While Carrie Underwood may not carry the same superstar weight as Beyoncé or garth Brooks, her involvement marked a notable change in how mainstream artists engage with political events. This wasn’t just about one artist—it was a broader trend of entertainers like Nelly and The Village People aligning themselves more openly with the new management.
Back in 2012, Trump faced notable challenges in attracting big names to his inauguration festivities.Protest marches at the time featured more high-profile celebrities than the swearing-in ceremony itself—a stark contrast to Barack Obama’s second inauguration, which boasted performances from Beyoncé, James Taylor, and Kelly Clarkson, among others.
Though, this time around, the roster of stars participating in Trump’s inauguration weekend was more robust. Longtime supporters like kid Rock,Hulk Hogan,and Sylvester Stallone where joined by newer faces. Acts such as Billy ray Cyrus, The Village people, and Lee Greenwood took the stage at a MAGA-style rally, while Nelly, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and Gavin DeGraw performed at inaugural balls.
Robert Thompson, a pop culture professor at Syracuse University, noted, “the people who are coming out and participating directly are still a small subset of the entire universe of what we call celebrity. But we’re seeing a lot more celebrities who are coming out and supporting Trump. There may not be that distinct division that we saw before.”
Even artists who’ve publicly criticized trump in the past appeared to soften their stance. Snoop Dogg, for instance, stirred controversy in 2017 with a music video depicting a Trump lookalike being shot. Yet,he surprised many by performing at a pre-inaugural event called The Crypto Ball. Social media buzzed with disbelief and outrage as his performance went viral.
Despite this shift, some stigma lingers. Thompson highlighted The Village People’s statement justifying their involvement, describing it as an “apologia.” He also observed,“The idea of being featured in a big national civic ritual perhaps can transcend political identity.”
For artists like Carrie Underwood, participation in such events might not sway public opinion about Trump, but it could influence how fans see them. On social media, some fans declared they’d remove her songs from their playlists—a reminder that celebrity endorsements can be a double-edged sword.
This shift in celebrity engagement reflects a broader evolution in how entertainers navigate the intersection of art and politics. While Hollywood’s liberal leanings remain, the growing willingness of stars to participate in Trump’s inauguration suggests a more nuanced relationship between the entertainment industry and the political sphere.
Hollywood's Shift in Political Engagement: From Activism to Fundraising
Published on January 20, 2021
As the political landscape evolves, so does Hollywood's approach to engagement. Once a hub for vocal political activism, the entertainment industry is now focusing more on nonpartisan efforts and fundraising, notably in support of causes like military families and wildfire relief.
In recent years, celebrities have been less vocal about their political stances compared to the fervor seen during the 2016 election. At the recent Golden Globe awards, for instance, President Trump's name was conspicuously absent from speeches—a stark contrast to Meryl Streep's 2017 critique of the then-president-elect during her lifetime achievement award acceptance.
"They’ve gone through these processes, and it turned out that none of it ever made any bit of difference," said entertainment analyst Doug Thompson."All of this celebrity talking against Trump and all of the celebrities going for (Joe) Biden and speaking about the future of democracy not only didn’t make any difference toward the outcome of the election, but one could argue that it actually meant that things moved in the other direction."
Nonpartisan Efforts Take Center Stage
Rather of political protests, many entertainers are now channeling their influence into nonpartisan initiatives. The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit association, recently hosted an event in Washington, D.C., to raise funds for organizations supporting military service members and their families.
"I’m a big fan of things that are nonpartisan, nonpolitical," said comedian Jeff Ross, who participated in the event. "I talk smack for a living and I’m a big believer in free speech. The military protects my right."
However, concerns about arts funding remain prevalent. Actor Steven Weber expressed worries about potential cuts to the National endowment of the Arts (NEA) under the new administration. "The NEA has always been in peril, nonetheless of what administration comes in. But it feels like the incoming administration will probably be more aggressive in cutting down funding for the arts," Weber said. "They don’t realize that it’s an essential component not only in our education, but in the life blood of this culture."
Concert for America: A Fundraiser for Change
On Inauguration Day, Hollywood's focus shifted to the Concert for America, a simultaneous event in New York and Los Angeles aimed at raising funds for wildfire relief. the event, which was livestreamed globally, featured performances and comedy by celebrities like Jon Cryer, Conan O’Brien, and Rosie Perez. Beyond entertainment, the concert also highlighted organizations dedicated to protecting human rights.
Producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley jackson launched the event in 2017 to support organizations they believed would need assistance during the upcoming administration. "It’s not only to give people a call to action, but also to give them hope, inspiration and to feel connected," Jackson explained.
Recruiting entertainers for the cause proved easy, according to Jackson. "The only ones who declined did so becuase they were working." Rudetsky emphasized that the event wasn't intended as a political counterprogramming effort. "I don’t see it as a counter effort.I see it as a way to get rid of the annoying rhetoric and the negativity," he said.
As Hollywood continues to navigate its role in the political sphere, it's clear that the industry is finding new ways to make an impact—whether through fundraising, advocacy, or simply staying out of the partisan fray.
The Power of Unity: Moving Beyond Unfounded Hate
In a world often divided by differences, the concept of unity stands as a beacon of hope. It’s not just about bringing people together; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and understanding. As one voice aptly put it,“Hate that’s based on nothing. It’s about unity.”
Unity transcends barriers—geographical, cultural, and ideological. It’s a force that fosters collaboration and mutual respect. when we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, we pave the way for meaningful connections and positive change.
Consider the impact of unity in action. Communities that embrace diversity and inclusion thrive because they leverage the strengths of every individual.This approach not only enhances social cohesion but also drives innovation and progress. Unity isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a practical strategy for building a better future.
Yet, achieving unity requires effort. It demands open-mindedness, empathy, and a willingness to listen. It’s about challenging prejudices and dismantling stereotypes. As the quote suggests,hate often stems from ignorance. By replacing ignorance with understanding, we can erode the foundations of hate and replace them with the pillars of unity.
So, how can we foster unity in our daily lives? Start by engaging in conversations that matter. Seek out perspectives different from your own. Celebrate shared values and acknowledge unique differences. small, intentional actions can ripple outward, creating waves of unity in our communities and beyond.
unity is not just a choice; it’s a obligation. It’s about choosing connection over division, understanding over judgment, and hope over despair. As we move forward, let’s remember that unity is not just a destination—it’s a journey we undertake together.
What steps can be taken too ensure that arts funding is protected and prioritized?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Arts Funding Advocate and Cultural Policy Expert
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. With concerns about potential cuts to teh National Endowment for the arts (NEA) under the new administration, what is your take on the current state of arts funding in the U.S.?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me.The state of arts funding is, regrettably, precarious. The NEA has historically been a target for budget cuts, regardless of the administration in power. Though, there’s a growing sense that the new administration may take a more aggressive approach to slashing funding for the arts. This is deeply concerning as the arts are not a luxury—they’re a vital part of our society. They enrich education,foster critical thinking,and contribute to the cultural fabric of our nation.
archyde News: Actor Steven Weber recently expressed similar concerns, stating that the arts are “an essential component not only in our education, but in the lifeblood of this culture.” Do you agree with this sentiment?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Steven Weber hit the nail on the head. the arts are a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. They teach creativity, empathy, and problem-solving—skills that are essential in today’s world. Beyond education, the arts are a reflection of who we are as a society. They preserve our history, challenge our perspectives, and inspire innovation.Cutting funding for the arts is not just a financial decision; it’s a cultural one with far-reaching consequences.
Archyde News: The Concert for America, held on Inauguration Day, aimed to raise funds for wildfire relief while also highlighting organizations dedicated to protecting human rights. Do you see this as a shift in how the entertainment industry engages with social issues?
Dr.Emily Carter: Yes, I think it’s part of a broader trend. Hollywood has always been politically active, but we’re seeing a move toward more nonpartisan, cause-driven efforts.Events like the Concert for America demonstrate how the arts and entertainment industry can use its platform to address urgent social issues—whether it’s disaster relief, human rights, or education. It’s a powerful way to channel influence and resources toward meaningful change.
Archyde News: Some have argued that celebrity involvement in political or social causes can be polarizing. what’s your outlook on this?
Dr. emily Carter: It’s true that celebrity endorsements can be polarizing, but I think the key is intent and execution. When celebrities and artists align themselves with causes—not necessarily political parties—they can amplify vital messages and mobilize support. The Concert for America is a great example of this. It wasn’t about partisan politics; it was about rallying for a common good. That’s where the real impact lies.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what steps can be taken to ensure that arts funding is protected and prioritized?
Dr. Emily Carter: First,we need to continue advocating for the importance of the arts at all levels of government. This includes engaging with policymakers, raising public awareness, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of arts funding.Second,we should explore partnerships between the public and private sectors to create sustainable funding models. grassroots efforts are crucial. Community support for local arts organizations and programs can make a meaningful difference.
archyde News: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Emily Carter: I’d just like to emphasize that the arts are not expendable. They are a reflection of our humanity and a catalyst for progress. Whether it’s through education, entertainment, or advocacy, we must continue to champion the arts and ensure they remain a priority in our society.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Carter,for your insights and advocacy. We look forward to seeing your continued work in this space.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
