Billie Eilish slams Trump admin at MLK Jr Awards: 'We’re seeing our civil rights being stripped'

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Pop star Billie Eilish took to the stage at the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr Beloved Community Awards in Atlanta on Saturday, January 17, to accept the Environmental Justice Award.

She used her acceptance speech to sharply criticize the Trump administration and federal immigration enforcement actions, including recent ICE operations that have drawn national scrutiny.

Her remarks, delivered in a moment meant to honor civil rights, underscore her growing role as an outspoken cultural figure on political and social issues.

Billie Eilish says 'protecting our communities' is not a priority for Trump admin

Eilish, who was introduced by environmentalist Wawa Gatheru, expressed both her gratitude and disappointment in the current state of affairs.

“To be honest, I really don’t feel deserving,” said Eilish. “And it’s very strange to be celebrated for working towards environmental justice at a time where it feels less achievable than ever given the state of our country and the world right now.”

“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped,” she told the audience, referencing what she sees as a cascade of injustices happening under the current administration.

“It is very clear that protecting our planet and our communities is not a priority for this administration," the 'Birds of a Feather' crooner added.

“And it’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets,” she read from a tiny piece of paper.

Billie Eilish has been a constant critic of ICE activities

Last week, Eilish shared a series of posts on her Instagram, calling out ICE's actions in light of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.

The first one was a graphic calling ICE a “federally funded and supported te**orist group,” with the original creator describing the agency’s actions as “tearing apart families, terrorizing citizens, and now murdering innocent people.”

Responding to this, in a statement shared with Billboard, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “Clearly, Billie Eilish has not seen the newly released footage, which corroborates what DHS has stated all along, that this individual was impeding law enforcement and weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to federal law enforcement.”

Eilish admitted to feeling more hopeful by the energy of the evening. “I am so inspired by all the stories and the other honorees tonight and everyone in this room, and I’m grateful to everyone and for the huge community of people who are taking action centered on Dr. King’s message,” the 'Hotline' singer expressed. 

“I have this platform and I think it’s my responsibility to use it, so I feel like I’m just doing what anyone in my position should be doing,” she said in her conclusive remarks.