Hayley Williams urges music award attendees to vote against Trump's 'dictatorship', decries Project 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hayley Williams, the lead vocalist of the rock band Paramore, used the band’s platform at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles to speak out against Donald Trump and the controversial Project 2025, a political agenda associated with his campaign.
In a bold statement made during the band’s performance of 'Big Man, Little Integrity,' on Friday, September 20, Williams addressed the audience, encouraging them to use their vote to make a stand.
Hayley Williams criticizes Project 2025
During the set, Hayley Williams sharply criticized Project 2025, a policy framework backed by Donald Trump and his allies.
The singer described it as a dangerous agenda targeting marginalized communities, according to Variety.
“Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s playbook for controlling and punishing women, poor people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Williams.
She also urged Americans to unite in opposition to the 78-year-old politician, and emphasized the importance of voting as a tool for resisting Trump's influence.
“It is time for all Americans to band together and to finally defeat the Trump agenda," Williams continued.
"And the only way to do that is by confronting him at the polls. Do you want to live in a dictatorship? Well show up and vote!” she added.
Hayley Williams' previous criticisms of Ron DeSantis and GOP leaders
Hayley Williams has consistently used her platform to advocate for progressive values and has been outspoken about the political figures she opposes.
The lead singer of Paramore made headlines during an Atlantic City performance in June 2023, when she expressed her disdain for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Solidifying her political views and frustration with certain segments of the Grand Old Party (GOP), Williams addressed the concertgoers by saying, “If you vote for Ron DeSantis, you’re f******g dead to me. Is that comfortable enough for anyone?”
Paramore also took a stand against the Republican lawmakers in Tennessee, earlier this year.
The band rejected a resolution from the state’s House of Representatives intended to honor their Grammy wins.
They refused the acknowledgment after Republican Party members denied an identical resolution for Black musician Allison Russell.
“Paramore will not accept any acknowledgment or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition,” read the band's statement on Instagram.
Later, Williams reaffirmed the band’s stance in an interview with The Tennessean by condemning the racism she has been seeing in Tennessee’s political leadership.
“The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind,” said the singer.
