The surprising turn of celebrities in support of Donald Trump in the U.S.

The political scene in the United States has changed drastically over the past eight years, especially regarding the relationship between celebrities and former President Donald Trump. During his first inauguration in January 2017, Trump faced significant difficulties in attracting well-known artists who wanted to participate in the festivities. The protest marches that accompanied his rise to power, on the other hand, featured a range of celebrities who spoke out against his candidacy, creating a stark contrast with the inauguration itself. In light of these events, it is fascinating to observe how the landscape has shifted in this new era of American politics. As Trump’s new inauguration approaches, artists have been seen openly supporting the former president, something that has surprised many. Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture at Syracuse University, notes that the number of celebrities willing to associate with Trump has increased. This change could reflect a new dynamic in public perception, where the lines that once separated Trump supporters from the artistic community have blurred. "The people who are participating directly are still a small subset of the entire universe of what we call celebrity," Thompson explains, suggesting that while acceptance has grown, there is still a long way to go. One of the most striking examples of this transformation is Snoop Dogg, who years ago mocked Trump in a music video. However, he recently appeared performing at an event related to the inauguration, generating a torrent of reactions on social media that ranged from disbelief to outrage. This phenomenon highlights how certain artists have reconsidered their positions and opted to participate in events they would have previously avoided. Despite this change, the stigma surrounding celebrity participation in politics remains. The statement from The Village People, who offered excuses for their appearance, suggests that some feel the need to justify their choice to support Trump, as if it were an apology. This could indicate that while support for Trump is increasing, there is still concern about the repercussions it might have on an artist's career. The public response has been varied, with some fans expressing their discontent through social media. Thompson mentions that the presence of artists like Carrie Underwood at Trump-related events could influence how followers perceive them, leading some to consider removing their music from playlists. This indicates that while some artists choose to align themselves with Trump, the impact of their decision could be negative for their fan base. Trump, always astute at leveraging the power of celebrities, has appointed notable figures like Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight as "ambassadors" in his mission to reconnect with Hollywood. This strategy is an interesting twist, considering that in the past, Trump often presented himself as an outsider in opposition to a Hollywood that rejected him. Now, it seems he wants to reclaim that relationship, although reactions are mixed and could be more satire than reality. Meanwhile, the landscape of celebrities protesting against Trump has changed. In 2017, notable figures like Meryl Streep and Madonna stood up at the Women's March and other demonstrations, openly denouncing the then-president-elect. However, this year, the People's March in Washington lacked the presence of prominent celebrities, suggesting that the climate has shifted and many may have opted for a quieter or more strategic approach to activism. In the arts realm, there are genuine concerns about the future of funding. Artists like Steven Weber have expressed anxiety about how the new administration could affect the National Endowment for the Arts. This issue, while not directly focused on Trump’s politics, reflects a sense of unity among artists who recognize the importance of culture and its connection to education and society. Comedian Jeff Ross, who has been asked about his participation in non-partisan events, argues that freedom of expression must be defended. This approach underscores the idea that culture and art are essential components of American life, regardless of the political administration in power. The combination of art, expression, and unity seems to be a recurring theme among those participating in public life, especially in such a polarized climate. Finally, as the world of celebrities moves into a new political context, the question of whether this new alignment will have a significant impact on public opinion or on artists' careers remains in the air. The connection between politics and entertainment continues to be complex, but it is evident that the bond between the two is stronger than ever. The only certainty is that as we move into the future, the interaction between art and politics will continue to evolve, reflecting the tensions and hopes of a constantly changing society.