Donald Trump, the 80-year-old former president of the United States, spent his weekend lamenting about a lake and sharing lighthearted memes featuring Donald’s Ducks. Meanwhile, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, 23, dedicated her weekend to promoting positive change in America. On Saturday, Rodrigo organized the first-ever Daisy Chain Fields festival, which showcased female artists and aimed to raise funds for non-profit organizations that support women, particularly those that have faced budget cuts under the Trump administration. The event successfully raised $10 million, which was matched by Melinda French Gates, bringing the total to $20 million.
In an ideal scenario, a musician hosting a benefit concert for women’s charities would not be viewed as a radical act. Unfortunately, we do not live in such a world. The current social climate reflects a troubling reality where influential figures have manipulated U.S. institutions to serve their interests. Educational institutions have reduced funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, while numerous media outlets have capitulated to the demands of the former president. Globally, women’s rights are regressing, and civil liberties are facing significant threats.
The stark reality reveals that many of the affluent and powerful are often self-serving individuals who forsake social justice causes when it becomes inconvenient. Thus, it was refreshing to witness a young artist unite people for reproductive justice at a festival that was unapologetically feminist and political.
Rodrigo has consistently utilized her platform to advocate for various causes, distinguishing herself from those celebrities who claim that remaining neutral is a virtue. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the then 19-year-old artist publicly expressed her disapproval during her performance at Glastonbury. As a Filipino American, she also criticized the Trump administration for using her music in a government campaign urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
Rodrigo has also spoken out about the situation in Gaza, a topic that many celebrities shy away from due to the potential backlash. Last year, she shared on Instagram about the dire conditions faced by families in Gaza, highlighting issues like starvation and lack of medical care. At the press conference for her Daisy Chain Fields festival, she made a statement of solidarity for Palestine by wearing a dress from the Palestinian fashion brand Nöl Collective.
In a recent appearance on the New York Times’s Popcast, Rodrigo emphasized that addressing social issues is integral to her identity as an artist. “It would be disingenuous to say I don’t feel heartbroken about what’s happening in Gaza. As an artist, that’s part of my job,” she explained.
In truth, it is the responsibility of anyone with influence to speak out on important issues. Some may argue that celebrities should avoid political engagement, but if one has a significant platform and resources, it is reasonable to expect them to utilize their influence for positive change. Donating to charity is commendable, but taking a public stance on contentious issues reflects true bravery, especially when one faces possible repercussions. The notion of remaining neutral does not apply here; political affiliations are not mere sports teams, and supporting vulnerable communities is not divisive.
Taylor Swift, the wealthiest female musician to date, seems to have once shared this perspective. Initially silent before the 2016 election, she later began endorsing progressive movements as more celebrities followed suit. “I need to be on the right side of history,” she stated in the 2020 documentary Miss Americana.
However, although Swift supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, she has been cautious in her comments regarding the current political climate. Unlike other musicians who have vocally opposed the use of their music by the Trump administration in controversial contexts, Swift appeared to overlook the use of her songs in his posts for months. Recently, her tracks have been quietly removed from Trump’s posts, yet she has not made any public comments regarding this issue or related matters such as Gaza or ICE.
While there are certainly limits to celebrity activism, the increasing threats to free speech amplify the need for public figures to voice their opinions. It is hoped that Rodrigo’s festival inspires more artists to take a stand and advocate for meaningful change.
Arwa Mahdawi is a columnist for The Guardian.
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