Ariana Grande slams Trump’s trans rights record
– 2 min read
The White House has attacked pop icon and LGBTQ+ ally Ariana Grande after she publicly condemned Donald Trump’s record on trans rights and immigration.
Grande, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, reposted a powerful message from activist Matt Bernstein on Instagram, calling out the devastating impact of Trump’s policies on trans people, immigrants, and marginalised groups. The post, shared with her 523 million followers, read: “It’s been 250 days. Now that immigrants have been violently torn from their families and communities have been destroyed, now that trans people have been blamed for virtually everything and live in fear, now that free speech is on the brink of collapse for us all - has your life gotten better?”
The message struck a chord with many in the queer community, who have faced escalating attacks under Trump’s second term, including executive orders rolling back trans protections and enforcing rigid binary definitions of gender.
In response, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai issued a statement mocking Grande with references to her own music, saying: “Save your tears, Ariana. Because President Trump’s actions ended Joe Biden’s inflation crisis and are bringing in trillions in new investments… Get well soon, Ariana!”
The use of “Get Well Soon” - a song Grande wrote in response to the trauma of the Manchester Arena bombing - was widely condemned as insensitive and tone-deaf, especially given its emotional significance.
Many fans applauded the singer for speaking out, with one writing on X: 'Girl, MAGA will go bankrupt trying to buy groceries as long as it means they deported Jorge from Home Depot trying to feed his kids.'
Another supporter added: 'I love this woman with every fibre in me!'
Grande has previously criticised Trump’s executive order that legally defines gender as strictly male or female, warning it would “erase” trans identities and endanger lives. She also endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has consistently used her platform to uplift queer artists and activists.
