Gloria Gaynor Slammed Over MAGA Donations Amid Kennedy Honor
Gloria Gaynor, the powerhouse behind the disco anthem “I Will Survive,” is making headlines again — but not for her music.
The 80-year-old singer is one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, an honor announced by none other than Donald Trump, who appointed himself head of the Kennedy Center earlier this year. The choice raised eyebrows, especially since Trump bragged about passing over nominees he felt were “too woke.”
For many fans, Gaynor’s selection seemed surprising. Her iconic hit became a lifeline during the AIDS crisis, turning into a symbol of strength and survival for the LGBTQ+ community.
That’s why some are urging her to reject the award — pointing to the irony of accepting it from Trump, a politician whose policies and rhetoric have often clashed with the values that “I Will Survive” has come to represent.
But things took another twist when political donation records surfaced. According to watchdog group MeidasTouch, Gaynor — whose real name is Gloria Fowles — has quietly donated thousands of dollars to pro-Trump Republicans since 2023. Her money has gone to big-name conservatives like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Ted Cruz, Marsha Blackburn, and Josh Hawley, as well as former GOP presidential hopefuls Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy.
She’s also contributed through WinRed, the Republican fundraising platform that backs MAGA candidates.
The revelation complicates the public’s perception of the singer. While her music has long been embraced as a gay anthem, her political donations show a clear alignment with Trump-world figures, many of whom oppose LGBTQ+ rights.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony — set for December 7 — will feature a very Trump-approved lineup: KISS, country star George Strait, actor Sylvester Stallone, and Michael Crawford, known for The Phantom of the Opera, reportedly one of Trump’s favorite musicals.
Trump himself will host the event, marking another break from tradition.
With fans split over whether Gaynor should accept the honor, one thing is clear: the disco diva who once sang about survival is now facing a different kind of spotlight.
