“I’m a glass half full type of guy” - Nelly weighs in on Trump’s 100 days in office months after defending inauguration performance

A few months ago, American singer and rapper, Nelly had faced criticism and backlash over his decision to perform for President Donald Trump’s inauguration ball. In a report shared by Fox News, the Grammy Award-winning rapper called for unity as the 47th president of the United States has completed 100 days in office.

"I’m all for everybody staying positive about any and everything," shared Nelly.

"I'm a glass half full type of guy. I’m more empowered by bringing people together and making sure that we all get what we need, when we need it and why we need it." he added.

Why did Nelly face backlash over his performance

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, also famously known by his stage name Nelly, had faced backlash when fans bombarded his social media with criticism. Fans expressed that after the presidential campaign, Trump supporters made a series of racist remarks in regard to Black and Latino people. They also added that Nelly’s performance for President Trump would fall on Martin Luther King Day.

Nelly later addressed his performance at President Trump's event during a live conversation with rapper Willie D. The Billboard Music award winner, explained that it wasn't his intention to be political and that he wasn't trying to shape public opinion at the ballot box.

“This is not me telling you, ‘Yo, you should vote for this candidate.’ I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and you provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it,” addressed Nelly.

“But what I will say is that, I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, is over. [Trump] won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world … It is an honour for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.” he later added.

According to Nelly, those who took issue with his decision to perform misunderstood his motives, which he said were rooted in a deep respect for the presidential office.

“If President Biden would’ve asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice-President Kamala Harris would’ve won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed … I didn’t know that you was riding with me because you thought I would ride for who you voted for. I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument.” he explained for the backlash he faced over the performance.

When questioned about his political stance, specifically whether he supported Donald Trump, Nelly responded:

“I support the president of the United States regardless of who is in office. Regardless, I respect the office.”

A statement was shared with Fox News Digital by a source close to Nelly. The statement explained that Nelly’s aunts and uncles

"Served in the military for our democracy and the right for us all to vote. He has personally stayed away from politics and wouldn’t participate in campaigning for anyone, but this performance is for the highest office."

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Nelly had also faced backlash from celebrities like Janelle Monáe for his performance at the President’s event. The singer publicly criticized Nelly, and accused him of "selling out" and referred to him as a "fool."

"I used to like Nelly, but then he went to perform for Donald Trump," she improvised the lyrics while the recognizable “Hot in Herre” beat played in the background.

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