Aging pop star Madonna has taken to social media to criticize Donald Trump for what she describes as a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights.
The president is under fire from Hollywood liberal elites for executive orders that include banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the armed forces.
The iconic performer posted her disapproval on X, stating, “It’s so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years.”
The 66-year-old added both a rainbow flag and a broken heart emoji to underscore her sentiment, followed by a rallying call of “Don’t give up the fight.”
It’s so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years. 🏳️🌈💔
Don’t give up the Fight! pic.twitter.com/6FiziYa2zM— Madonna (@Madonna) January 28, 2025
Madonna has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, famously facing legal repercussions in Russia back in 2012 over her outspoken support for gay rights.
In 2020, she claimed that Russia had fined her $1 million for a speech she made about LGBTQ rights at a concert in St. Petersburg, but she never paid up.
Her recent critique was sparked following Trump’s issuance of several executive orders, which activists argue will have lasting consequences for transgender and non-binary people across the United States.
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One of these measures, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” eliminates DEI training and bars transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military.
An additional directive seeks to establish policies related to pronoun usage and gender identity.
According to Trump and his administration, these steps are part of an intensifying drive to combat what they describe as “gender insanity” within federal institutions.
Apparently, anti-American celebrity #Madonna will boycott SEX in protest of Trump’s victory pic.twitter.com/fAr1JgUCCS
— Giordano Bruno (@GioBruno1600) November 11, 2024
The orders don’t stop there. One declares that the federal government will only officially recognize two sexes—male and female.
Trump has also outlawed the funding of gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
The corresponding executive order condemns these procedures, citing “countless” children who reportedly regret transitioning.
Madonna speaks out on Donald Trump’s victory, posting a cake with the words “F*CK TRUMP” on it. pic.twitter.com/zKD3EPWVWI
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) November 7, 2024
“It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the text of the order reads.
Meanwhile, Trump’s actions have provoked responses from other notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Lady Gaga.
Days after the 2024 presidential election was called in Trump’s favor, Gaga expressed her disappointment while doubling down on her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Lady Gaga's father endorses Trump, calls him "pure" and "a patriot."
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/FyZrmGihhJ
— AF Post (@AFpost) September 19, 2024
Speaking with Elle, the 38-year-old shed light on her emotions regarding the election outcome.
“What’s bizarre is I did not write this album thinking that this would happen. I prayed it would not. But here we are,” Gaga began.
She reflected further on the emotional toll of recent events. “The main thing is I have so much compassion and love for so many people that are afraid today. I want to acknowledge I’m a very blessed person and I feel really grateful for so much in my life every day,” Gaga noted.
Lady Gaga put her paws up and took to Trump Tower to protest Donald Trump: https://t.co/suYWsP5TDO pic.twitter.com/2LLk9dCUOd
— E! News (@enews) November 9, 2016
Known for her vocal activism, Gaga was also an enthusiastic supporter of Kamala Harris during her run for vice presidency.
She highlighted the widespread impact the election had on marginalized communities, stating, “For a lot of people, this election was devastating for their existence and so community is going to be the number one thing.”
Gaga rallied her fans to focus on connection and solidarity in the face of the new challenges.
“This just reminds me that we need each other and supporting each other is important. I am one of many people that supports [the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized] communities,” she said.
Lady Gaga endorsing Kamala Harris in new video. pic.twitter.com/WYmsk9o0JU
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 3, 2024
Similar to Madonna’s sentiment, the singer added, “And we’re not going down without a fight.”
“We will stick together. It’s going to be hard, but I’m up for it. We’re up for
it,” she continued. “And I just want everyone to know how deeply they’re loved and not invisible.”
Gaga wrapped up the interview by signaling her commitment to meaningful action.
“That means reaching out to people that I love, being available, understanding that what I’m going through is very different from so many people that I care about,” she stated.
“That’s been important for me. Yes, I’m devastated, but what does it mean for me versus someone else?”
The “Joker: Folie à Deux star” hinted at using her platform even more intentionally moving forward.
“Maybe because I’ve been doing this since I was 20, I have realized that what
you say publicly from a big microphone is sometimes just as powerful as what you say in private,” she wrapped up.
“Who you are in the public-facing eye is who you want to be when no one’s looking,” Gaga explained.