Jewel Defends Performance at Trump-Linked Inaugural Ball Amid Backlash

AUSTIN, Texas — Singer Jewel faced criticism Friday after performing at a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Inaugural Ball earlier this week, an event tied to President Donald Trump’s administration. The Grammy-nominated artist addressed the backlash in a video posted to her verified Instagram account, explaining her decision to participate despite political differences.

In the video, Jewel identified herself as a mental health advocate and emphasized the importance of addressing mental health across party lines. “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,” she said. “I believe I can help, and if I believe I can help, I have to try.”

The MAHA Inaugural Ball, held Monday at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., celebrated the inauguration of Trump’s second term and honored Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for secretary of health and human services. Jewel surprised attendees with an acoustic rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which reportedly left many in the audience, including Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, visibly emotional.

Jewel acknowledged the polarized political climate in the U.S., stating, “Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that, while half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.” She also apologized to fans, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community, who felt let down by her participation. “I am so sorry that I caused pain, especially in my LGBTQIA+ community, because you guys are treasures,” she said.

The MAHA movement, spearheaded by Kennedy and Emmy Award-winning producer Del Bigtree, aims to promote health and wellness initiatives. Kennedy, a noted vaccine skeptic and former presidential candidate, dropped his independent bid for the 2024 election in August and endorsed Trump. His confirmation hearing for the health and human services role has yet to be scheduled.

House Inhabit founder Jessica Kraus, who attended the event, told Fox News Digital that Jewel’s performance was a “big fun surprise.” Kraus added, “No one was expecting it.” Other notable attendees included actors Russell Brand and Rob Schneider, both of whom celebrated Trump’s inauguration at the ball.

Jewel concluded her Instagram message by reaffirming her commitment to mental health advocacy. “I will not stop fighting,” she said. “None of us can afford to stop fighting, and I really believe that the only way we change is in relationship. It isn’t in isolation or by isolating, it’s by being in relationship, by reaching out, by having hard conversations.”