Aretha Franklin was reportedly asked to perform at President Trump’s inauguration but declined.
Aretha Franklin was reportedly asked to perform at President Trump's inauguration but declined. The Daily Beast reports that, while Franklin did not criticize Trump in public, "two individuals with direct knowledge of her political opinions said she was repelled by the Republican standard-bearer, his policy prescriptions, and his rhetoric." An inside source told the media outlet that when she was presented with the option of singing at his inauguration, she is said to have told close associates that "no amount of money" could persuade her to do so. Upon Franklin's passing on Thursday, Trump delivered a statement and tweet. He noted that Franklin had "worked for him," and said he knew her "well" but did not elaborate on their relationship. Franklin did perform at a number of Trump venues prior to his presidential campaign. However, in the 2016 race, she put her support behind his opponent, Hillary Clinton, notes the Washington Post.
