Trump inauguration, I watched so you didn’t have to
The frigid temperatures outside feel eerily symbolic of where America is today. Donald Trump has taken the oath of office, and I keep searching for a glimmer of hope that he might surprise us all and rise to the occasion. Be a president for everyone. But after listening to his speeches—each one more focused on grievances, complaints, boasts and disparaging remarks than unity—it’s clear that expectation is a pipe dream. Where is the uplifting, unifying voice? Oh, wait. This is DT we’re talking about. He’s not capable.
And apparently, America is fine with this negativity. Or maybe they’re more driven by their disdain for people who look like us. Either way, it’s sobering. Can’t even be mad. Trump told us who he was. He showed us who he was. And yet, America still chose him. So, here we are, standing in this icy reality. Bundle up, because it’s going to be a long four years.
Snoop, Nelly, and cancel culture
Now let’s talk about some of our own. Count me among those side-eyeing rappers Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy. Not because they’ve chosen to support Donald Trump—this is America, and they’re entitled to their political preferences. My issue lies with the hypocrisy.
Take Snoop, for instance. He built his career with the support of a community that stood by him through thick and thin. We were there when he faced a murder charge when he pushed boundaries in his music and image—walking women around on leashes, no less. And we still supported him. That loyalty is part of why he’s now Martha Stewart’s bestie, hosting the Olympics and sitting in one of the coveted “The Voice” chairs. Yet, despite once standing ten toes down in his disdain for Trump, he’s now switched sides. It’s about business, I’m sure. I get it. But when Elon Musk posts memes laughing at you, not with you, I hope the check was worth it.
And Nelly? That one stings personally because he’s my favorite rapper. I’ve blasted “Hot in Herre” more times than I can count. And while I don’t expect Black people to be monolithic, it’s still disappointing when you shoot the middle finger at those who helped you get where you are. Do they care what a reporter from Houston thinks? Probably not. They’ve got chains that cost more than my house. But when you’ve built your empire on the backs of Black folks, it’s worth considering the optics. Laugh all the way to the bank if you must (hopefully, you’ll make enough money to never need Black support again), but know this: the people are watching, and the side-eye is real.
No, Trump did not sign a child support order
Misinformation is already swirling after the president signed a flurry of executive orders that shook up Washington. One alarming rumor on social media suggested that Trump signed a new tax law barring any recipients of child support (which are most likely to be women) from claiming their children on tax returns. In the days before the inauguration, a video of two men discussing the supposed new law began circulating on Instagram.
“Trump just tweeted if you put your baby father on child support, you can’t claim income tax — only he can,” a man speaking in the video explains. “When you put your baby’s father on child support, you no longer can claim your child, only the father can only one of y’all can claim your child,” he continued. “If he paying child support, you can’t claim the kids, only he can.” Reactions to the rumor were mixed, as posts ranged from braggadocious by some baby’s fathers to shock and concern from others. Many cited supposed posts made by Trump himself on his various social media accounts, including Truth Social and X, without linking to or showing screencaps of any such posts.
While no such law was among the significant number of executive actions Trump took during his first day, the fact-checking outlet Snopes has also found zero proof of any such child support law. The website combed through Trump’s social media posts, particularly leading up to the inauguration, and turned up nothing.
“As such, we rate this claim as false,” the entity explained.
Trump will do enough real jaw-dropping stuff. Can we please not make stuff up???
