Carrie Underwood and the Trump Inauguration: Patriotic or Polarising?

Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s second inauguration has ignited intense debate. Known for her carefully balanced apolitical image, the country music star now finds herself at the centre of a polarising moment. Was this a patriotic gesture, a calculated career move, or a potential misstep in today’s divided cultural climate?

What Carrie Underwood Has Said

In a statement addressing her performance, Underwood explained her decision as an act of patriotism and unity:

“I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

This framing shows that she’s keen to position her appearance as a celebration of her country rather than any alignment with politics. However, in today’s climate, such a nuanced position is rarely accepted without scrutiny.

Why She May Have Agreed to Perform

While some fans view this performance as controversial, there are clear reasons why Underwood might have taken the stage:

A Patriotic Gesture

Trump’s voter base of 74 million is deeply patriotic, and “America the Beautiful” is an anthem that resonates across the political spectrum. For her Middle America fanbase, this performance likely feels like a nod to tradition and national pride rather than a political statement.

For context, Trump’s 74 million votes in 2024 significantly outnumbered Kamala Harris’s 66 million, underscoring the size and loyalty of the audience her performance may connect with.

A Historic Honour

Performing at a presidential inauguration is a rare and momentous occasion. It’s easy to forget, amidst the backlash, that Underwood is a human being—someone who may have felt deeply proud to receive such an invitation. Saying no to an opportunity like this could have felt unthinkable, especially for an artist who has built her career on celebrating American values.

A Massive Audience

With over 30 million viewers expected to tune in, this performance offers Underwood unparalleled exposure. It’s a chance to connect with both her loyal fans and a broader audience, reminding them of her place as one of country music’s biggest stars.

Fan Backlash: A Polarising Reaction

While some fans appreciate the patriotism of her performance, others have expressed disappointment:

“Literally the other day I had Some Hearts on repeat… it’s deleted from my Spotify now. Taking THIS stage that will forever go down in history as the day America handed the keys to a convicted felon… that’s what her legacy will now say.”

“Trump?? So I guess Love Wins was just about pandering. Bye.”

“My mum happily voted for you to win American Idol. Now she regrets that decision.”

There’s also frustration from fans who admire her past advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, feeling that her performance contradicts her earlier positions. Trump’s administration was criticised for rolling back LGBTQ+ protections, and for some, this adds another layer of disappointment.

Do I Think This Will Benefit Her?

Honestly? Yes. I think this will benefit Carrie Underwood in the long run.

The backlash is loud right now, but I don’t believe it will stick forever. Her Middle America audience—the backbone of country music—is not only massive but incredibly loyal. For these fans, her performance will likely be seen as a celebration of patriotism, not politics. They’ll support her because this performance aligns with their values.

That said, I think she’ll face some short-term consequences. Hollywood leans heavily progressive, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she receives fewer invitations to mainstream events like late-night shows. The noise on social media will probably continue for the duration of Trump’s presidency. However, her core audience will no doubt rally to her defence. Ironically, this kind of polarisation often drives engagement on her platforms—whether through supporters defending her or critics voicing their frustrations.

When it comes to promotions and collaborations, this increased engagement could actually benefit her. Brands and collaborators prioritise reach and activity, and this controversy ensures her name is at the forefront of conversations. Even negative attention generates visibility, which may translate into greater opportunities for partnerships and promotions.

Carrie Underwood has built her career on relatability and grace, and I think that’s what will help her navigate this moment. People will likely remember her performance as a bold move in a divisive time, and for her core audience, that will only strengthen their connection to her.

A Bold Career Move

Carrie Underwood’s performance at Trump’s inauguration is a calculated risk. It prioritises her connection to Middle America over more progressive audiences, but I think this decision will ultimately work in her favour. In an era where no choice is free from scrutiny, Underwood’s bold move is likely to secure her position as a patriotic icon while ensuring her continued success in country music.

Only time will tell if this moment becomes a defining chapter in her career or a temporary controversy, but for now, it’s clear: Carrie Underwood has bet on her values and her core fanbase, and I think it’s a gamble that will pay off.