Madonna Slams Trump for Ending U.S. Recognition of World AIDS Day: “Absurd and Unthinkable”
Madonna has condemned former President Donald Trump’s decision to discontinue official U.S. recognition of World AIDS Day, calling the move “absurd” and “unthinkable.” The pop icon issued a passionate statement as global observances took place on December 1. According to Rolling Stone, this marks the first time since 1988 that the United States government opted not to formally acknowledge the day.
Madonna, a longtime HIV/AIDS awareness advocate, reminded followers of the millions of lives lost since the 1980s and criticised the State Department’s directive barring federal employees from issuing any public-facing recognition of the day. Stereogum reports that Madonna told fans she will continue to honour the day regardless of political decisions, urging others to do the same.
Her criticism is rooted in decades of personal history: the singer lost close friends and collaborators to AIDS during her early years in New York’s club scene. She has repeatedly argued that remembrance is essential not only for historical truth but for continued activism. In coverage by The Independent, activists echoed her sentiment, warning that erasing recognition risks undermining prevention efforts and international cooperation.
Madonna’s statement arrives at a time when funding and awareness for HIV/AIDS face growing political challenges. Her message — that silence is dangerous and remembrance is necessary — reinforces her long-standing role as one of pop culture’s most vocal AIDS awareness advocates. As she wrote: “I will continue to honour World AIDS Day — and I hope you will honour it with me.”
