During Paramore’s set at the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Friday, lead singer Hayley Williams took a moment to criticise former President Donald Trump. Known for her outspoken political views, Williams urged the crowd to vote against Trump’s agenda.
In an impassioned message, Williams asked the audience, “Do you want to live in a dictatorship? Well, show up and vote.”
Wearing an outfit inspired by Blondie’s Debbie Harry, she approached the camera and delivered her anti-Trump speech while the band played their song, ‘Big Man, Little Dignity.’
Williams warned about Project 2025, describing it as Trump’s plan to harm women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. She called on Americans to unite and confront Trump’s agenda at the polls. “The only way to defeat this is by voting,” she said, raising her voice.
Hayley Williams calls out Donald Trump live at iHeartRadio Music Festival! pic.twitter.com/U6PSH83TSz
— 🏁 (@concertleaks) September 21, 2024
She further condemned the leadership in her home state for its “blatant racism and cruelty” and promised that both she and Paramore would continue encouraging young people to vote with equality in mind.
This follows previous comments she made in Washington, D.C., where she told fans, “If you vote for Ron DeSantis, you’re dead to me.”
Earlier this year, Paramore declined a Tennessee resolution honouring their Grammy win after state Republicans blocked a similar recognition for Allison Russell, the critically acclaimed Canadian singer and songwriter.
Williams concluded her speech by passionately calling on Americans to vote, despite Trump’s denial of any involvement in Project 2025, which is connected to The Heritage Foundation’s conservative agenda for a future administration.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Stereogum reported that Hayley Williams passionately condemned Trump at the iHeartRadio Festival, emphasising Project 2025 as a dire threat. She urged fans to unite and vote against dictatorship. (Read more)
- Rolling Stone reported that during her performance, Williams highlighted the dangers of Trump’s Project 2025, calling for political engagement. Her message resonated with fans, emphasising the urgency of voting. (Read more)
- Variety reported that Williams delivered a powerful critique of Trump and Project 2025 at the festival, rallying her audience to confront political threats through active participation in elections. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Hayley Williams say about Donald Trump at the iHeartRadio Music Festival?
Hayley Williams criticised Trump’s agenda, urging the audience to vote and warning about Project 2025, which she claims targets women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community.
What is Project 2025 that Hayley Williams mentioned?
Project 2025 is a conservative initiative by the Heritage Foundation aimed at preparing for a potential Trump presidency in 2025, focusing on reshaping federal governance and consolidating executive power.
Has Hayley Williams spoken out about politics before?
Yes, Williams has previously condemned Republicans, including criticising Ron DeSantis at a show in June 2023 and opposing anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
How did Paramore respond to a Tennessee resolution honouring them?
Paramore declined a Tennessee resolution honouring their Grammy win after the state’s Republican-controlled House rejected a similar resolution for Allison Russell.
What message did Hayley Williams share about voting?
Williams urged young people to vote with equality in mind, stating that the only way to defeat Trump’s agenda is by confronting him at the polls.
