Jewel Speaks Out on 2025 Trump Inauguration Controversy

Jewel is speaking out about recent criticism.

After facing criticism for performing at one of Donald Trump’s 2025 Inauguration galas, the “Who Will Save Your Soul” singer explained her reasoning behind attending the “Let’s Make America Healthy Again” event, where politician nominee for the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was being recognized.

In a video posted on Instagram on January 24th, Jewel clarified that she, like many others, is an advocate for mental health. Over the past two decades, she has come to understand that mental health touches the lives of everyone, regardless of political affiliations.

As a die-hard admirer, I must confess that this 50-year-old artist, who gracefully performed a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” once sung by Judy Garland at the January 16 gala, disclosed an intriguing fact about her past endeavors. She had made a conscious effort to collaborate with former President Joe Biden in line with her advocacy, expressing, “I extended my hand to the previous administration, conversed with the Surgeon General regarding the mental health predicament that our nation is grappling with.

Jewel emphasized her conviction that there are actions we can take to preserve lives. She expressed her readiness to contribute and stated that if she feels capable of helping, she must make an effort. If she were to wait until she completely agreed with those who might assist her, she would never take action.

The “You Were Meant for Me” singer, who also co-founded the Inspiring Children Foundation (a nonprofit aimed at assisting at-risk youth in Las Vegas with holistic mental health services), underscored the immediate need for the causes she’s promoting.

As a committed advocate, I firmly believe it’s the very imperfections of our circumstances that demand our active involvement and participation. The time for action is now; we can’t afford to postpone any longer, not for another four years at least.

Although Jewel remained resolute in her decision to perform at Trump’s Inauguration, which included acts like Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, and The Village People, she also expressed regret to those who may have been offended by her choice.

She expressed that while one part of our nation is filled with optimism at this moment, I acknowledge and respect that sentiment. However, it troubles me deeply that the other half feels disenfranchised, fearful, and vulnerable, which should not be tolerated. I sincerely apologize for any distress I may have caused, particularly within my LGBTQIA+ community. You are precious, you enrich our world, and you’ve significantly improved my life.

Jewel expressed, “We all need to keep battling, and I truly feel that transformation occurs through connections rather than in solitude or by being separated.

To see more stars who showed out for the 2025 Inauguration, keep reading.

On January 20th, following the inauguration ceremony, the pair made their appearance dressed in monochrome outfits at the Commander-in-Chief Ball.

Usha sparkled in a blue strapless gown alongside Trump’s second in command.

On January 20th, the duo stood together, both dressed in coordinating black-and-white outfits.

The 47-year-old and his eldest daughter, 17, appeared on stage at the Inaugural Ball.

At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the performer and thespian snapped a photo with an attendee, all the while expressing their endorsement for the fresh presidency.