Nelly defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration Monday while speaking to HuffPost’s Phillip Lewis. “He’s the president. He won. This isn’t a campaign,” he said. “This isn’t an RNC. I’m not out on the political campaign. I didn’t get none of that 1.5. You see what I’m saying?”

Nelly isn’t the only rapper to participate in Trump’s inauguration festivities. Earlier this weekend, it was widely reported that Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross and Soulja Boy performed at the president-elect’s Crypto Ball pre-inaugural soiree in Washington, D.C., at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Friday (Jan. 17).

In response to the backlash, Nelly went on Willie D Live to justify why he should be absolved of any criticism or guilt at Trump's inauguration, and his reasons were puzzling, to say the least.

The rap community was furious to learn Nelly, Soulja Boy, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross were supporting Trump's inauguration events.

Nelly is speaking out against critics who have denounced his performance at tomorrow’s Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three official balls celebrating Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. The St.

It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office,” the rapper said.

Tomorrow (January 20) marks the second inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump. But, this Inauguration Day’s festivities are attracting attention for a number of contrasting reasons. One of the most hotly debated points of discussion surrounds the day’s featured entertainment–which includes rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg.

Rapper Nelly addresses backlash over performing at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, explaining his decision in a Willie D Live interview.

Nelly is standing firm amid backlash over his decision to perform at one of President-elect Donald Trump’s official inaugural balls.

Donald Trump will be once again be sworn in as president on Monday. His team has curated an interesting lineup of performers for the inauguration festivities, including Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean,

Nelly also spoke about his experience as a child on a military base in Texas, praising his family members who have served in the U.S. armed forces. “If these people can give [their] life for the office, Nelly can perform,” he said. “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”