At the 2025 Grammys, Lady Gaga criticised President Donald Trump as she accepted a trophy. Many others brought up recent Trump remarks or initiatives throughout the evening.
For instance, Shakira and Trevor Noah, the host of the Grammy Awards, both mentioned immigration.
But perhaps Lady Gaga’s call was the most forceful. When Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars accepted their Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance for their song “Die With a Smile,” it was a noteworthy moment.
Gaga took the time to express her love for the trans community during her acceptance speech. She asserted that transgender persons are not invisible. “Transgender people are worthy of love.” It is time to elevate the queer community. Love is music.
Gaga didn’t mention Trump by name in her remarks. But she didn’t have to. Everyone online and at the awards event knew exactly who she was referring about.
Trump has been disparaging the trans community for a long time. He ran on a number of ideas that LGBTQ+ groups claimed would hurt transgender people nationwide while he was vying for president last year.
Trump, who has returned to the White House, has taken numerous actions against trans and nonbinary people in his first week in office.
On his first day in office, Trump most famously signed an executive order declaring that the United States only recognised two genders: male and female.
Many people immediately praised Gaga’s speech and her criticism of the administration. The pop star’s speech swiftly went viral on X, even as the audience cheered throughout the event.
Gaga is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has long advocated for transgender rights. She hasn’t held back while criticising Trump either.
“It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed and they will forever exist. They will never take trans joy away, and that has to be protected more than anything. I’m trying my best to really stand up for you.”
— Chappell Roan’s interview for GLAAD at the #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/BW1q7cAo4D
— best of chappell roan (@bestofchappell) February 3, 2025
She revealed only last week that she “prayed” he would lose to Vice President Kamala Harris and that she didn’t want him to win the election.
Gaga clarified in this most recent interview that Trump cannot split the LGBTQ+ and trans communities.
This only serves to remind me how vital it is for us to support one another and how much we depend on one another. Supporters of [the LGBTQ and other marginalised] populations include me. She said, “And we’re not going down without a fight.”
Additionally, Gaga stated, “We will remain united.” Though I’m up for the challenge, it will be difficult. We’re game. And I simply want everyone to understand how much they are cherished and not overlooked.
Lady Gaga: "Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love. Thank you." #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/aoAOZ1njAl
— Variety (@Variety) February 3, 2025
At the Grammys, Gaga was not the only person to advocate for transgender rights. In addition, Chappell Roan gently criticised Trump while talking on how “brutal” life was for LGBTQ+ people in America at the time.
“Trans people have always existed and they will forever exist, and they will never, no matter what happens, take trans joy away,” Roan stated on the red carpet prior to the event.
“Just know that pop music is thinking about you and cares about you, and I’m trying my best to stand up for you in every way that I can,” Roan continued. “I would not be here without trans girls.”
The first significant awards show since Trump’s election as president is the 2025 Grammys.
During a large portion of his first tenure, the president was frequently criticised at Hollywood award events.
Callouts have decreased in recent years during President Joe Biden’s administration since they have tended to be Democrats.
But now that Trump is back in the White House, award ceremonies might once more showcase actors and musicians publicly opposing or defying Trump.
