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Whoopi Goldberg is sticking up for Carrie Underwood after the singer came under fire for accepting the invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. While speaking to her The View cohosts Tuesday (Jan. 14), the Sister Act star acknowledged that though she personally doesn’t align with the president-elect’s policies, the American Idol alum has […]
After Carrie Underwood made headlines Monday (Jan. 13) for announcing she would play at Donald Trump’s inauguration, a former RuPaul’s Drag Race star decided to mock the country star online. In a post to her Instagram Stories on Monday evening, Drag Race season 14 contestant Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté shared a recent post from the […]
Village People have joined the presidential inaugural activities for Donald Trump.
The group took to Facebook on Monday (Jan. 13) to announce that they have “accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump’s campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump.”
They continued, “We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”
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The statement concluded, “Therefore, we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.”
See the post here.
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According to The Hill, the group will perform at Trump’s “victory rally” at Capital One Arena in Washington, and at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
“Macho Man” and “Y.M.C.A.” were popular song choices at Trump campaign rallies during his 2020 and 2024 campaign rallies.
In December, Village People’s Victor Willis doubled down on why he chose to let the president-elect play “Y.M.C.A.” at rallies and events, saying he “didn’t have the heart” to block the usage — despite originally asking Trump to stop in 2020 — upon realizing that the politician seemed to “genuinely like” and was “having a lot of fun” with “Y.M.C.A.” Plus, as Willis noted, the dance tune has only “benefited greatly” in terms of chart placements and sales since the twice-impeached former POTUS incorporated it into his campaign.
Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Carrie Underwood will be performing at the presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.. The eight-time Grammy winner will perform “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by The Armed Forces Chorus and the The United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
She shared to Billboard via a statement, “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. 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.”
Carrie Underwood is set to perform during Donald Trump’s upcoming presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Billboard has confirmed. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The eight-time Grammy winner will perform “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by The Armed Forces […]
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January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked by a mob of largely white domestic terrorists operating under the orders of Donald Trump as part of his “Stop The Steal” movement. On the fourth anniversary of the heinous attack on democracy, many on X are remembering the January 6 insurrection just as Trump is gearing up for a second term in the White House.
The events of January 6 were an example of how unchecked power in the White House could be dangerous, and how the lack of checks and balances might essentially doom our democracy. Under Trump’s guidance and fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories from the darkest corners of the Web, the mob of Trump supporters swarmed the Capitol under the veil of misguided justice in the name of their leader.
The group, sparked by politically motivated bloodlust, was sent to attack Vice President Mike Pence for failing to block the confirmation and there were clear intentions to harm any elected official who was a perceived enemy of Trump. This mob felt ordained to carry out Trump’s justice as wayward vigilantes fighting under a false flag.
Given the level of meddling Trump engaged in on the state level regarding losing votes over what he thought would be shoo-ins for his reelection, the weaponizing of his base to enact a coup of sorts should have had its day in court before winning the election last fall. Even members of Trump’s party sought a path where the president-elect would face the facts of his actions.
However, procedural delays, political hand-wringing, and an unprecedented move by the United States Supreme Court empowered Trump and will most likely allow him and the January 6 insurrectionists to sidestep justice unscathed. The embers of hope that Trump would have his day in court were effectively snuffed out after Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith filed to have felony charges against Trump dropped.
The election interference matter Trump has been accused of was marred by the typical tug-of-war of politics, with Trump supporters stating that the DOJ was on a “witch hunt” and a true denial of any sort of accountability from Trump. It is sobering that Donald Trump yet avoided penalties for his actions yet again, and the populace at large is bracing for another four years under Trump’s reign.
On X, formerly Twitter, many are remembering the January 6 insurrection attack, and the reactions are centered on the truth of what happened, not centering on any political side.
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Bono is expressing his gratitude after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The legendary U2 frontman was among 19 individuals to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday (Jan. 4).
“Thank you President Biden. Frontmen don’t do humble, but today I was,” Bono wrote on U2’s Instagram account after receiving the medal. “Rock n roll gave me my freedom… and with it the privilege to work alongside those who’ve had to fight so much harder for theirs. And I want to give it up for my band mates – Edge, Adam, and Larry – without whom I would never have found my voice.”
Along with receiving the honor, Bono wrote an essay for The Atlantic, titled “The Gorgeous, Unglamorous Work of Freedom,” exploring the link between music and the quest for freedom.
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“Freedom is a word that turns up with embarrassing frequency in rock-and-roll songs,” Bono began the op-ed, citing Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom” as an example.
“The reason I am climbing on this slippery soapbox called ‘freedom’ today is that I’m being given a presidential medal by that name—an honor I’m receiving mainly for the work of others, among them my bandmates and our fellow activists—and it’s got me thinking again about the subject,” the Irish rocker continued. “When we rock stars talk about freedom, we more often mean libertinism than liberation, but growing up in the Ireland of the 1960s, the latter had its place too. We were mad for freedoms we didn’t have: political freedom, religious freedom, and (most definitely) sexual freedom.”
In honoring Bono, the White House highlighted the singer as a “pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty,” noting his role in uniting politicians from opposing parties to create the U.S. PEPFAR AIDS program. He is also the co-founder of advocacy organizations ONE and (RED).
Other Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients this year included Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, soccer icon Lionel Messi, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, George Soros, designer Ralph Lauren, chef José Andrés and conservationist Jane Goodall.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” the White House wrote in a statement. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Watch Bono receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden in a video here.
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Source: Tom Brenner / Getty
PHOTOS: President Biden Honors Nineteen with Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Joe Biden awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom to nineteen individuals in a ceremony that celebrated their extraordinary contributions across various fields.
This award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is granted to individuals who have profoundly impacted the country and the world through their achievements and service.
At the forefront of the honorees were sports icons Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lionel Messi.
Johnson, known for his legendary basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, was celebrated not only for his athletic achievements but also for his groundbreaking advocacy on HIV/AIDS awareness and his community-focused philanthropy.
Messi, one of soccer’s most decorated stars, was recognized for his contributions to education and healthcare through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation for her historic public service, including her milestones as the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.
Actor Michael J. Fox, an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, was honored alongside fellow Hollywood legend Denzel Washington, who has been long recognized for his mentorship work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Notable cultural figures included Bono, U2’s frontman, whose activism against poverty and HIV/AIDS has brought together politicians across aisles to drive impactful programs such as the PEPFAR AIDS initiative.
Vogue editor Anna Wintour was recognized for her lasting influence in the fashion world and her philanthropic efforts supporting arts and AIDS research.
Chef José Andrés, famed for his humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen, was celebrated for providing critical food relief in disaster zones worldwide.
Philanthropist George Soros, known for championing democracy and human rights through his Open Society Foundations, also received the honor alongside others such as conservationist Jane Goodall, who has revolutionized the field of animal behavior and environmental advocacy.
Posthumous awards were given to figures like civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, whose activism paved the way for the Voting Rights Act, and former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who is remembered for his fight for racial justice and equality.
President Biden praised the recipients for their “remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment” to bettering the world. Spanning the fields of public service, arts, sports, and activism, this year’s awardees exemplified the core values of courage, dedication, and a vision for progress.
Take a look below at photos of the Nineteen Presidential Medal of Freedom Honorees.
PHOTOS: President Biden Honors Nineteen with Presidential Medal of Freedom
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1. Magic Johnson
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2. Bill Nye
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Science advocate and television host Bill Nye the Presidential Medal Of Freedom.
3. Hillary Clinton
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
4. Denzel Washington
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Former Actor Denzel Washington the Medal of Freedom.
5. Jose Andres
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Chef Jose Andres the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
6. Bono
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards U2 singer Bono the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
7. Michael J. Fox
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Actor Michael J. Fox the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
8. Jane Goodall
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
9. Anna Wintour
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Anna Wintour the presidential Medal of Freedom.
10. Tim Gill
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Human rights activist Tim Gill the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
11. Ralph Lauren
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Fashion designer Ralph Lauren the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
12. David M. Rubenstein
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
13. George Stevens, Jr.
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Writer, director, author, and playwright George Stevens, Jr. the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
14. Alex Soros
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Alex Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
15. George Stevens Jr.
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Writer, playwright, and creator of the Kennedy Center Honors George Stevens Jr. the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
16. Mitt Romney
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Sen. Mitt Romney the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
17. Ash Carter
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Stephanie Carter, widow of the late U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
18. Robert F. Kennedy
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Kerry Kennedy on behalf of her late father Robert F. Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
19. Fannie Lou Hamer
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U.S. President Joe Biden awards Doris Hamer Richardson, niece of late civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Bono is among 19 individuals who will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, President Joe Biden announced on Saturday (Jan. 4).
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In addition to the U2 frontman, other recipients include Hillary Clinton, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, soccer icon Lionel Messi, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, George Soros, designer Ralph Lauren, chef José Andrés and conservationist Jane Goodall.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” the White House wrote in a statement. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
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The statement also noted that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
In honoring Bono, the White House highlighted the legendary Irish rocker as a “pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty,” noting his role in uniting politicians from opposing parties to create the U.S. PEPFAR AIDS program. Bono is also the co-founder of advocacy organizations ONE and (RED).
The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be presented at the White House on Saturday.
The announcement comes just weeks after U2 released How to Re-assemble an Atomic Bomb, a special edition celebrating the 20th anniversary of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb with previously unreleased tracks from the 2004 album’s recording sessions. In September, U2 premiered V-U2: An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las Vegas, showcasing their historic residency at The Sphere in Sin City.
U2’s most recent album, Songs of Surrender, was released in March 2023 and reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
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Last week, former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and not-so-genius tech bro Elon Musk, co-chairs of President-elect Donald Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency,” both went on social media defending the American tech industry’s consistent hiring of foreign engineers despite the MAGA world’s seething hatred for immigrants taking “American jobs” and the fact that Musk and Ramaswamy backed Trump as he spewed xenophobic, anti-immigrant hate speech on the campaign trail throughout his campaign.
Musk tweeted, “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low” and that “there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America,” the so-called greatest country in the world. Ramaswamy co-signed Musk, tweeting: “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers.”
The remarks have sparked somewhat of a civil war in the MAGA world between conservatives who don’t appreciate Americans being characterized as lazy and incompetent (you know, unless those Americans are non-white male “DEI hires”) and Trump supporters who will back team Trump no matter what the president-elect or his loyal affiliates have to say.
Anyway, former CNN host Don Lemon weighed in on the controversy with a message for MAGA Republicans on both sides of the debate:
All of y’all are stupid!
“Now you’re finding out, you dumb f**king idiots,” Lemon said in the latest episode of his YouTube video series, which he launched after Musk canceled his series on X because Lemon made him look like a big, racist idiot during an interview (which only happened because Musk is a big, racist idiot.)
“Now you’re just figuring this sh*t out. You’re so f**king stupid and you deserve it. You f**king deserve it because you’re so dumb. Yes, I am gloating over your stupidity,” Lemon continued. “You have been co-opted, you’re in a f**king cult and you don’t even realize it because you have stupid MAGA brain and you don’t get it. How stupid and dumb are you?”
I mean, Lemon ain’t wrong — but damn, bro, did you have to drag them like that?
Actually, yes, yes he did.
They are, after all, just a bunch of “dumb f**king idiots.”
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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been vocal proponents of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and their proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) office along with their stances on H-1B visas. After feeling the wrath of the MAGA faithful, Elon Musk shifted his tone while Donald Trump showed support for the visa program for foreign workers which has angered the many figures within the GOP and the wider base.
On Christmas Day, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy made their case for the support of H-1B visas with the suggestion that the program allows business leaders to find the best engineering minds possible. Ramaswamy found himself in the thick of it when he casually suggested that Americans and the media they consume might be contributing to their lack of engineering or intellectual excellence. Musk, a recipient of an H-1B visa himself, likened the recruitment of the foreign workforce to selecting the best players of the NBA, which too has several foreign-born players who are near the top of their class.
Over the weekend, Trump joined the fray and expressed his approval of the aforementioned visa program.
“I’ve always liked the (H1-B) visas, I have always been in favor of the visas, that’s why we have them,” Trump said in an interview with the New York Post. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
This comment from Trump was an exaggeration of facts as reports came forth that many Trump staffers who work at his properties on visas did so through the H-2B visa program, which gives companies the ability to recruit foreign workers for temporary jobs such as hospitality work. According to a CNN report, Trump last used the H-1B visa program in 2022 in order to hire a data analyst for the Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.
This has sparked right-wing infighting with key figures such as former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer aiming at both Trump and Musk for walking back the campaign promises of the so-called America First agenda that focused on mass deportation and the hiring of more American workers at some of the top companies.
Elonn Musk has been defiant in his unique way and issued a profane reply on X towards Christian conservative Steven Mackey, who criticized Musk’s endorsement of the H-1B visa program.
“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and F*CK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend,” Trump wrote to Mackey.
The Tesla founder has since softened his rhetoric, writing on his X platform, “Please post a bit more positive, beautiful or informative content on this platform” which garnered several passionate and colorful responses. This also sparked a still unproven rumor that Musk is using X under the “Adrian Dittman” alias.
We’ve got X comments regarding Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, H-1B visas, and the MAGA kerfuffle below.
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Photo: Getty