Ludacris And Nelly Face Backlash After Joining ‘MAGA Music Fest’

Back in 2016, Ludacris was as anti-Trump as they come, sharing a video captioned #MoveTrump (a play on his song ‘Move B**ch’) and accusing the Trump administration of stoking racial tensions in America. As for Nelly, he’s always remained neutral, and has previously clarified he’s “not political.”

Fast forward to 2026 and both superstar rappers from the 00’s have been confirmed as performers for the 2026 Rock The Country music festival – dubbed the “MAGA Music Fest” – a music festival taking place in various states around the US from May – September.

Ludacris is set to perform in Anderson, South Carolina, sharing the bill with Creed and Shinedown, and in Ocala, Florida, alongside Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn. Nelly will perform in Hamburg, New York, joining Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr. How MAGA can you get?

Now, the event isn’t officially affiliated with Trump, but the promotional appeal is pure MAGA, with loads of red-state imagery and American flags and whatnot.

Which is what has prompted this reaction from disappointed Luda and Nelly fans on social media:

Nelly actually performed at Trump’s Inaugural Ball in 2025, and when faced with backlash, defended his decision by saying: “He’s the president — he won!” and that he respected the office regardless of who held the title.

Can’t argue with that really. It also helps to have Trump on-side given the dramas he still occasionally finds himself in.

As for Ludacris, I guess he’s still got to pay the bills too (not to mention child support).