Nelly Speaks On Performing at Trump’s Inauguration
Nelly On Performing at Trump’s Inauguration: “I’m About Positivity and Unity”
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St. Louis rapper Nelly is choosing to stay positive — even when others question his decisions.
After facing some heat for performing at one of Donald Trump’s inauguration events back in January, Nelly recently told Fox News Digital that he’s all about unity and focusing on what brings people together, not what divides them.
“I’m a glass-half-full type of guy,” he said. “I’m all for people staying positive about everything. My energy is better spent bringing folks together and making sure we all get what we need — when and why we need it.”
Nelly’s performance at the Liberty Ball — one of the official inauguration celebrations — drew criticism from fans who didn’t understand why he’d align himself with Trump. But for Nelly, it wasn’t about politics.
“I didn’t do it for money. I did it because it’s an honor to perform for the highest office in the land,” he said in a convo with fellow rapper Willie D. “At the end of the day, I respect the office.”
He added that, like the men and women in the military who serve no matter who’s president, he felt it was only right to show up the same way.
“If they can put their lives on the line for whoever’s in office, I can get up there and perform,” he explained. Nelly, who was born on a military base, also pointed out that many of his family members have served.
“I’ve stayed away from politics. I don’t campaign. But this performance wasn’t about all that — it was about the office,” a source close to Nelly added.
For Nelly, the key takeaway was simple: the election happened, and now it’s time to move forward.
“Trump won. He’s the president. Like it or not, we’ve got to hold him accountable to lead and lift everybody up,” he said. “If Biden had asked me to perform, I would’ve. If Kamala had won and called me, I’d be there too. This ain’t about sides. It’s about respect.
