As President-elect Donald Trump’s historic inauguration draws near, country music superstar Carrie Underwood is gearing up to perform, and her announcement has sent some on the left into a frenzy. Chief among the critics is Joy Behar, co-host of ABC’s *The View*, who unleashed a baseless tirade against Underwood, questioning how the singer could claim to “love America” while performing for Trump.
Underwood, known for her faith and patriotic songs, expressed her honor in being invited to perform at the inauguration. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” she told *PEOPLE*. “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.”
Despite this unifying message, Behar pounced. “She says, ‘I love our country.’ How do you love your country and support and normalize somebody who was a convicted felon who really wants to destroy the country, in my opinion?” Behar said. The venom in her words underscored the left’s inability to accept differing viewpoints, even in the name of patriotism and reconciliation.
While Behar claimed to support free speech, she made it clear that performing for Trump was something she’d never consider. “I personally would not do it. No one’s asked me, but that’s another story,” she quipped, seemingly forgetting that Underwood’s performance isn’t about politics—it’s about honoring the peaceful transfer of power and celebrating the nation’s enduring traditions.
Interestingly, not all of Behar’s co-hosts were as dismissive. Sunny Hostin, while not fully endorsing Underwood’s decision, noted, “Art is art, and, you know, you have a right to perform where you want to perform.” Even Whoopi Goldberg acknowledged the legitimacy of Underwood’s choice, adding, “People do what they do for whatever reasons… I stand behind her.”
While the left continues to lash out at performers willing to appear at Trump’s inauguration, others are embracing the opportunity to unite the country through music.
Underwood will perform alongside other notable artists, including Lee Greenwood and the Village People. The founder of the Village People, Victor Willis, addressed anticipated backlash with a powerful statement on Facebook. “Music is to be performed without regard to politics,” Willis wrote. “Our song ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign… we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music.”
The attacks on Carrie Underwood and other artists willing to perform at Trump’s inauguration are yet another example of the left’s obsession with division. Instead of recognizing the importance of unity, figures like Joy Behar choose to tear down those who dare to rise above the noise. Thankfully, Underwood and others remain undeterred, ready to celebrate America and its enduring values on one of the most significant days in its democratic tradition.
