Singer Billie Eilish didn’t hold back her emotions when commenting on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, following Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris. During a performance in Nashville on Thursday, Eilish paused to address the crowd, visibly shaken and almost in tears as she voiced her disappointment over Trump’s return to the White House.
In a fan-captured video shared on TikTok, Eilish told the audience she was struggling to reconcile the election result. “I could not fathom doing a show on a day like this,” she said, expressing her dismay. “I’m really, really disappointed,” she added, referencing the controversial return of Trump as President.
Addressing the women in the audience, the 22-year-old singer delivered a heartfelt message of support. “I want you to know that you’re safe with me, and you’re protected here,” she said, before introducing the song “TV” from her 2022 album Happier Than Ever. “This song is about the abuse that exists in this world upon women, and a lot of the experiences I have gone through and people I know have gone through,” Eilish explained. She went on to share that she had never met a woman who hadn’t experienced some form of abuse. “Not one,” she emphasised.
Eilish’s comments were particularly pointed given her history of speaking out against Trump. The singer, who has been a vocal critic of the former president, referred to him as a “convicted predator” in her speech. “I’ve dealt with some stuff myself, and I’ve been taken advantage of. My boundaries were crossed, to say it politely,” she said, adding that the idea of Trump—whom she described as someone who “hates women so, so deeply”—becoming president again was deeply upsetting to her.
The Grammy-winning artist also made an implicit reference to the political climate affecting women’s rights, notably alluding to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which made abortion access more difficult in many parts of the country.
Trump, who defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, has faced multiple sexual assault allegations from over two dozen women, with the most high-profile case resulting in him being found liable for sexual abuse in a civil lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll. Though the case was civil and not criminal, Trump was ordered to pay $5 million in damages.
In light of his past controversies, Eilish’s emotional response reflected her ongoing concerns about Trump’s influence on American politics, particularly for women.