Jewel Apologizes After Performing at Trump Inauguration Event
Singer-songwriter Jewel is seemingly walking back her appearance at RFK Jr.‘s inaugural Make American Heathy Again ball after receiving harsh criticism from her fanbase.
The musician took to Instagram to apologize after her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”—which, given the song’s context, was a real missed opportunity for Dr. Oz—at the event Monday night during President Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C.
Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, took to the ball’s stage himself to introduce her, referring to the Grammy-winner as his wife Cheryl Hines’ favorite musician.
Jewel—who had not publicly endorsed a candidate during the 2024 presidential election—then thanked him for “sacrificing so much to Make America Healthy Again.”
It’s not the first time she’s been tied to the Kennedy Jr., having posted a photo in January with him and two of his children at an event for her nonprofit.
Now that it turns out she’s likely lost some fans, though, it appears she feels differently.
“As many of you know, I am a mental health advocate. If there’s anything that I’ve learned in the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everybody’s lives across party lines,” Jewel said in her social media video. “If I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything’s perfect enough to participate.”
She added that she believed people in the Trump administration are supportive of her work in this vein, even though she doesn’t agree on all their politics.
Kennedy has received bipartisan criticism for his anti-vaccine views, and is believed to be facing an uphill battle as the Senate considers his nomination for HHS Secretary.
“Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that,” Jewel said. “And half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.”
She said she was “so sorry” to her fans, especially those among the LGBT community.
“We need people from all walks of life joining together to advocate for mental health and other critical issues, so we can find a way forward together,” she captioned her post.
Many, however, were not happy with the apology.
“Do you know what saves lives? Access to healthcare, access to education, feeling accepted, providing environments that promote diversity and inclusiveness,” wrote one person. “How exactly does the Republican Party promote these things?”