Trump Inauguration Songs: A Complete List

Hey guys, ever wondered what tunes graced the inauguration of a US President? It's always a big deal, and Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration was no exception. While the focus is often on the speeches and the ceremonial aspects, the music plays a huge role in setting the tone and reflecting the spirit of the event. So, let's dive into the Trump inauguration song list and see what artists and songs were part of this significant moment in American history. It's fascinating to look back and see how music is used to mark such pivotal occasions.

The Official Music Selection for Trump's Inauguration

When we talk about the Trump inauguration song list, it's important to distinguish between music played during the official ceremonies and music performed by artists who chose to participate. Often, there's a curated playlist for the pre-ceremony festivities, and then the performances themselves. For Trump's inauguration, the musical landscape was definitely a talking point. Unlike some previous inaugurations that featured a wide array of artists, Trump's event saw a more selective group of performers. The Presidential Inaugural Committee released a list of songs that were played during the ceremonies, aiming to capture a sense of American pride and tradition. These songs weren't necessarily performed live by the original artists but were part of the background music that accompanied the proceedings, from the arrival of guests to the swearing-in. It's a unique aspect of presidential inaugurations – the blend of patriotic anthems, classical pieces, and sometimes, contemporary hits that are deemed fitting for the occasion. The selection process is always interesting, often reflecting the values and themes the new administration wants to emphasize. For Donald Trump, the emphasis was often on American exceptionalism and a sense of national pride. The songs chosen for the inauguration were meant to resonate with that message, providing a soundtrack to a moment of transition and celebration. It's not just about playing any music; it's about selecting pieces that carry weight and meaning, that can evoke emotions and unite people, at least in theory, under a common banner. The official list included a mix of genres and eras, but all were chosen to convey a certain feeling of American spirit and strength. This careful curation is what makes understanding the full Trump inauguration song list so intriguing, as it offers a glimpse into the intended message and atmosphere of the event.

Key Performances and Their Musical Choices

Beyond the background tracks, specific performances add another layer to the Trump inauguration song list. While some high-profile artists declined invitations to perform, citing political reasons, others stepped up. The Marine Band and the US Army Herald Trumpets were, as is tradition, integral to the musical proceedings, performing traditional fanfares and patriotic songs. These military ensembles are always a staple, providing a powerful and formal musical backdrop. For vocal performances, Jackie Evancho, a young opera singer who had previously competed on America's Got Talent, performed the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Her performance was met with mixed reactions, but her inclusion marked a younger, perhaps more unexpected, voice in the lineup. Another notable performance came from The Piano Guys, a musical group known for their instrumental covers and original compositions. They performed an original song titled "One Voice," which was intended to be a unifying piece. Their inclusion brought a contemporary, yet instrumental, flavor to the event. It's worth noting the significance of artists who do perform at inaugurations. It often sparks debate and can have repercussions for their careers. In Trump's case, the artists who participated were sometimes seen as aligning with his political platform, while others viewed their participation as simply a civic duty to perform for the country, regardless of the president. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir also performed, adding a rich choral element with a rendition of "America the Beautiful." Their participation is often seen as a non-partisan act, representing a respected cultural institution. The Rockettes were also invited to perform, but the decision was made by the dance company's management that a representative group would attend, rather than a full performance, following internal dissent among the dancers. This highlights the complexities and pressures faced by artists and performing groups when asked to participate in such politically charged events. The Tennessee State University Marching Band was another group that brought energy and a different musical style to the inauguration, performing during the parade. Their inclusion celebrated diversity and a specific regional element of American culture. All these performances, from the solemn anthem to the energetic marching band, contribute to the multifaceted Trump inauguration song list and the overall narrative of the day.

Controversies and Artistboycotts

One of the most discussed aspects surrounding the Trump inauguration song list was the sheer number of artists who declined to perform. This was, in many ways, a continuation of the political polarization that characterized the 2016 election. Many prominent musicians and groups publicly stated they would not be participating, citing various reasons, often related to their opposition to Donald Trump's policies or rhetoric. For instance, artists like Sting, Elton John, and Celine Dion were reportedly approached but declined. This trend was quite different from previous inaugurations, where a broader spectrum of artists, often from the pop mainstream, were willing to perform. The Presidential Inaugural Committee struggled to secure big-name acts, leading to a lineup that some critics described as unconventional or even desperate. This was a stark contrast to the Obama inaugurations, which saw performances from artists like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and Aretha Franklin, who were widely celebrated for their participation. The lack of mainstream pop stars at Trump's inauguration meant that the musical offerings leaned more towards classical, country, and military ensembles. This choice, while perhaps intentional to avoid controversy among specific fan bases, also contributed to the perception of a less diverse and less celebratory musical event for some. The boycotts and refusals weren't just limited to musical artists; dance troupes and other performing arts groups also faced internal pressures and public scrutiny over potential participation. The Radio City Rockettes faced significant backlash from their own dancers when it was announced they would perform, leading to a compromise where only a select group would participate. This demonstrated the intense political climate and how deeply it affected even the entertainment industry. The discourse around the Trump inauguration song list thus became not just about the music itself, but about the artists' political stances and the broader cultural divisions within the United States. It highlighted how, in an era of heightened political awareness, the choice to perform or not perform at a presidential inauguration could be interpreted as a significant political statement. The absence of many beloved artists underscored the deep divisions and the challenges faced by any administration in attempting to foster a sense of national unity through shared cultural experiences. It's a powerful reminder that in modern times, music and politics are often intertwined, and participation in such events carries considerable weight and consequence. The controversies surrounding the musical selection are as much a part of the Trump inauguration song list narrative as the songs themselves.

The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements (or Lack Thereof)

When considering the Trump inauguration song list, the lack of A-list celebrity participation is a crucial element. Traditionally, presidential inaugurations serve as a platform for prominent cultural figures to publicly endorse the new administration or at least lend their talents to a national celebration. However, for Donald Trump's inauguration, this was notably different. The impact of celebrity endorsements – or, more accurately, the lack thereof – became a recurring theme in discussions about the event's music. Many artists who might have been expected to participate, given their national profiles, either remained silent or explicitly stated their refusal. This wasn't just a minor inconvenience for the planning committee; it fundamentally shaped the Trump inauguration song list. Instead of a lineup dominated by chart-topping pop stars, the committee had to look towards artists who were perhaps less controversial or who had existing ties to conservative or patriotic themes. This led to the inclusion of groups like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jackie Evancho, whose appeal might be broader across different demographics or who are associated with more traditional forms of performance. The lack of mainstream pop appeal was significant. It meant that the musical experience might not have resonated as strongly with younger audiences or those who follow contemporary music trends closely. Furthermore, the narrative surrounding the lack of celebrity participation fueled political commentary. Supporters of Trump often interpreted the refusals as politically motivated attacks by a