Billie Eilish Unleashes Fiery Anti-Trump Speech, Says “Our Neighbors Are Being Kidnapped”
Billie Eilish used an award stage over the weekend to speak out about politics and civil rights instead of sticking to a typical thank-you speech. According to video and remarks shared from the event hosted by the King Center, the singer criticized the Trump administration while accepting the MLK Jr. Beloved Community Award for Environmental Justice.
Eilish opened her speech by saying she felt uncomfortable being honored at a time like this. “To be honest, I really don’t feel deserving,” she told the audience. She explained that being praised for environmental work feels strange when so many people feel unsafe and unheard.
She said the state of the country made the idea of progress feel distant. “It’s very strange to be celebrated for working toward environmental justice at a time where it feels less achievable than ever given the state of our country and the world right now,” she said during the ceremony.
Eilish then shifted directly into criticism of the current administration and ICE. Speaking from the stage, she described what she believes Americans are witnessing right now. “We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped,” she said, drawing loud reactions from the crowd.
She tied those claims to environmental issues, saying government priorities are misplaced. “Resources to fight the climate crisis being cut for fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet,” she said, arguing that these choices hurt everyday people first.
The singer also spoke about access to basic needs. “People’s access to food and health care becoming a privilege for the wealthy instead of a basic human right for all Americans,” she added. According to Eilish, these issues all connect to the same lack of care from leadership.
She made her position clear before wrapping up her speech. “It is very clear that protecting our planet and our communities is not a priority for this administration,” she said. “And it’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets.”
Still, she thanked fellow activists and honorees in the room. “I’m so inspired by all of the stories and the other honorees tonight,” she said, adding that she feels motivated by people who continue to take action. Eilish ended by explaining why she speaks out so often. “All I really have is a platform, and I think it’s my responsibility to use it,” she said.
Billie Eilish condemns the Trump administration over ICE violence and civil rights violations in new award speech:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 20, 2026
“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped, resources to fight the climate… pic.twitter.com/exMqxOWCvR
Her comments line up with her recent actions offstage. According to her team, Eilish has pledged more than $11 million to environmental groups through funds raised on her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. The donations came through her Changemaker program, which focuses on climate and social justice causes.
This was not the first time Eilish used an awards moment to call out those in power. Last year, during a Wall Street Journal event, she told wealthy attendees, “If you’re a billionaire, give your money away.” That moment, like this one, quickly spread online.
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