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

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

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As Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his second presidential term might be a lot different than his first.

On Monday, Trump will be sworn in for his second term as president. The ceremony comes four years after the infamous Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, when a mob of Trump supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to block the certification of the 2020 election.

Things look different this time. The 2024 election count went uncontested in Congress earlier this month, officially certifying Trump’s second win. 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.

Former first lady Michelle Obama will be absent at the ceremony, but several high-profile names are still slated to appear for Trump’s swearing-in.

The biggest among them is country singer Carrie Underwood, who this week confirmed her plans to sing “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath of office. 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. Broadway singer Jennifer Holliday might have faced similar career damage had she not pulled out of her scheduled 2017 appearance after receiving death threats and boycott warnings.

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…

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