Nelly is standing firm on his choice to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, describing it as an “honor.” In a lively chat with fellow rapper Willie D, Nelly shared his reasons for taking the stage at the Liberty Ball on Monday, emphasizing his respect for the presidency. “This isn’t about money for me. It’s about respect. Respect for the office,” Nelly asserted. “It doesn’t matter who sits in that chair. Just like our servicemen and women who defend our country, they put their lives on the line no matter who’s in charge.”
Nelly drew a parallel between his performance and the dedication of military personnel. “If they can risk everything for whoever’s in office, then I can certainly perform for whoever’s in office,” he explained. His connection to the military runs deep, having been born on a military base in Austin. “My father, grandfather, uncle, aunt, and cousins all served. I’ve entertained the troops worldwide. There’s no paycheck in that, it’s just something I felt compelled to do, growing up as one of those military kids,” he added.
Addressing accusations of Trump being a white supremacist, Nelly challenged critics, asking for evidence. “Show me where he’s a white supremacist,” he stated. In his view, the election is done, and Trump is the president. “He’s the commander in chief of what I believe is the best country in the world,” Nelly declared. He expressed that performing for the president is an honor, irrespective of who holds the position.
Nelly made it clear that his performance is not politically motivated. “If President Biden had invited me, I would’ve performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and asked me, I’d have performed,” he said. The Grammy-winning artist didn’t shy away from criticizing Joe Biden and the Democrats. He pointed out Biden’s controversial remark to radio host Charlamagne tha God, calling it racist.
The discussion with Willie D took a turn when the host labeled America as “Klan country.” Nelly was quick to highlight the historical roots of the Ku Klux Klan. “That was the Democrats. The Klan was created by the Democrats,” Nelly reminded. Willie D acknowledged this historical point. “You say this is a Klan country? Well, what party did the Klan originate from? All the harm they caused throughout the decades, and now we’re supposed to overlook it?” Nelly questioned.
Joining Nelly in the lineup at the inauguration are several prominent artists, including Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. Underwood shared her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” she expressed. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and look to the future.”
The conversation around the inauguration isn’t just about the performers; it’s also a reflection of the nation’s cultural and political dynamics. People like Nelly and Underwood are stepping up, choosing unity and respect over division, showing that art and patriotism can bridge even the widest gaps. As the country watches the inauguration unfold, the performances at the Liberty Ball serve as a reminder of the values and freedoms that bind Americans together.
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“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office,” Nelly said. “It don’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever [is] in office.”
“So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever [is] in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever [is] in office,” he added.
“I was born on military base in Austin. My father served. My grandfather served. My uncle served. My auntie served. My cousins served. I’ve entertainment the troops all over the world. Ain’t no money in that. That’s something that I felt I had to do because I was one of those kids on those military bases, ” Nelly added.
Nelly also dismissed the idea of Trump being a white supremacist.
“I would ask them to show me where he’s a white supremacist,” Nelly said. “The politics, for me, is over. He won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”
The Grammy-winner also criticized Biden and Democrats, saying it was racist when Biden told radio host Charlamagne da God “you ain’t black” if you vote for Trump.
