Change in the relationship between celebrities and politics following Trump's inauguration.

The recent inauguration of President Donald Trump has sparked a notable shift in the dynamic between celebrities and politics, a phenomenon worthy of analysis and reflection. Over the past eight years, the landscape has changed radically, from the almost total absence of artists at Trump’s inauguration during his first term to the significant participation of various entertainment figures in this new chapter of his presidency. This turn not only reflects the current state of American politics but also provides a glimpse into the evolution of the relationships between pop culture and political power. In 2017, Trump’s inauguration was marked by a notable lack of celebrities, which dramatically contrasts with Barack Obama’s second inauguration, celebrated by a plethora of world-renowned artists. At that time, the protests surrounding the inauguration ceremony, where many artists expressed their discontent and support for social causes, were more prominent than the celebration itself. However, this time, the situation seems to have taken an unexpected turn, with a list of artists willing to perform at inaugural events, showing a change in the perception and acceptance of the Trump administration. Artists like Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and rapper Nelly have joined the celebration, demonstrating an openness to recognizing the new administration that was previously unthinkable. According to Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture, this phenomenon could be interpreted as an indication that the political divide that once characterized Hollywood is beginning to blur. Nevertheless, despite the increased participation of celebrities, there remains a stigma that seems to limit the open expression of support for Trump in certain circles. The case of rapper Snoop Dogg is particularly revealing. After having openly criticized Trump in the past, his recent performance at an event related to the inauguration generated a wave of reactions on social media, showcasing the confusion and resistance that exists within the artistic community. This phenomenon of changing stance among some public figures indicates a desire for reconciliation or at least an attempt to adapt to the new political environment. However, despite these movements towards greater acceptance, fan reactions can be unforgiving. Some of Carrie Underwood’s followers have expressed their intent to remove her music from their playlists following her participation in the inauguration, suggesting that support or opposition to Trump can significantly impact an artist’s career. This phenomenon highlights the complexity of the interaction between politics and pop culture. On the other hand, the silence of Trump’s critics since the 2020 elections is notable. In 2017, protests and artistic opposition were overwhelming, with a series of performances and speeches criticizing the elected president. However, this time, the absence of prominent artists at protest events indicates a possible fatigue or resignation regarding the current political situation. This shift back to a less combative politics could reflect a reevaluation of the effectiveness of artistic opposition in the public sphere. At the same time, there are initiatives trying to keep the spirit of civic action and fundraising alive in a more positive context. Events like the "Concert for America" highlight the artistic community's ability to unite around causes that transcend political divisions. This focus on unity and support for social causes may be a response to the polarization that has characterized recent years in American politics. Concerns about arts funding are another theme resonating among artists in this new context. With the incoming administration, there is a palpable fear of potential cuts to the funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which could severely affect the cultural sector. This aspect underscores how politics can influence the creative trajectories of artists and highlights the importance of advocating for the arts in the public sphere. Finally, the role of celebrities and their interaction with politics will remain a topic of ongoing interest. As the political environment continues to evolve, the relationship between entertainment and power will also need to adapt. The lingering question is whether this new openness towards the Trump administration will represent a lasting change in the dynamic between popular culture and politics, or if it is simply a passing phase in an still highly divided landscape. The answer to this question will not only shape the future for the artists involved but also influence how we perceive politics in the contemporary era.