Donald Trump and Celebrities: Why Hollywood’s Relationship Is Changing

The relationship between Donald Trump and the entertainment industry has attracted renewed attention as more celebrities have appeared at events connected to his administration.

The change became especially noticeable around Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. Several well-known entertainers participated in inauguration-related events, including Carrie Underwood, Nelly, Kid Rock and The Village People.

A Different Scene From 2017

The celebrity presence around Trump was very different during his first inauguration in 2017.

At that time, many prominent entertainers stayed away from the inauguration, while other celebrities participated in demonstrations and events opposing Trump.

By 2025, however, a number of mainstream performers were publicly taking part in inauguration celebrations and other events connected with Trump.

Some Celebrities Changed Their Public Approach

One example discussed in the reporting was Snoop Dogg.

The rapper had previously criticized Trump, but later performed at a pre-inauguration event known as the Crypto Ball. His appearance generated considerable discussion on social media because of his earlier public views.

Other performers, including Carrie Underwood, also became part of Trump’s inauguration events. Underwood performed at the presidential inauguration ceremony, while several other musicians appeared at related celebrations.

Do Celebrity Opinions Change Political Views?

The impact of celebrity involvement in politics remains difficult to measure.

Pop-culture professor Robert Thompson told the Associated Press that celebrity participation does not necessarily change people’s opinions about Trump. He suggested that such appearances could instead affect how audiences view the celebrities themselves.

This is part of a larger discussion about the role celebrities play in American politics. Famous entertainers have long used their platforms to support candidates, criticize political leaders or encourage people to become involved in public issues.

Hollywood Remains Divided

The entertainment industry does not speak with one political voice.

Some celebrities have publicly supported Trump, while others have criticized him or remained focused on nonpolitical causes. The AP also reported that some entertainers were participating in charitable and nonpartisan events rather than making the political moment the main focus.

The changing relationship between Trump and celebrities therefore reflects several different choices by individual entertainers rather than one unified position from Hollywood.

Why the Story Matters

Celebrity involvement can attract enormous public attention, but individual artists and audiences can interpret these appearances in different ways.

The recent changes show that the relationship between American politics and popular culture continues to evolve. For readers, the most important distinction is between a celebrity appearing at a political event and evidence that the appearance changed the political views of the wider public.

As celebrities continue to participate in political and civic events, their involvement will likely remain part of the broader conversation about entertainment, politics and public influence.