Sheryl Crow is speaking out against President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 event, calling the White House celebration “disgraceful and void of decency.”
The Grammy-winning singer, a longtime critic of Trump, posted the comments on her Instagram Story following Sunday’s event, which served as both a celebration of Trump’s 80th birthday and an early anniversary event tied to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The event included UFC fights staged on the South Lawn of the White House. “To stay quiet means to turn a blind eye. And so I am saying this,” Crow wrote. “What happened last night on the lawn of the White House was disgraceful and void of decency.”
Crow criticized the optics of the event, writing that “powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment” while many Americans continue to struggle with the cost of healthcare, gas, and everyday living.
She also directed criticism at the Trump administration, calling it “corrupt” and accusing it of caring more about profit than the American people. “Do not be fooled. This administration is corrupt and does not give a damn about the American people,” Crow wrote. “It only cares about making money hand over fist at the expense and in spite of our democracy.”
Crow added, “If we continue to support this kind of distraction from reality, we are no better than them. Let’s be better, America.”
Her comments followed backlash to remarks made by UFC fighter Josh Hokit after he won his bout at the event. During a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Hokit praised Trump for staging the event, referenced his Christian faith, and then repeated a baseless and degrading conspiracy theory about former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The comment drew swift online criticism and became one of the most widely discussed moments of the event.
UFC CEO Dana White later condemned Hokit’s remark in a statement to Time. “I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
Crow’s statement adds another high-profile voice to the criticism surrounding Freedom 250, which has drawn scrutiny not only for its staging on White House grounds, but for the tone of the event and the controversy that followed Hokit’s comments.
For Crow, the issue was larger than one fighter’s remark. Her post framed the night as a reflection of what she sees as a broader political and cultural failure, arguing that silence in response to such moments amounts to acceptance.
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