Snoop Dogg has garnered significant criticism after his performance at the first-ever Crypto Ball—a celebratory event for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The event, hosted by Salon, took place on January 20, 2025, featuring other hip-hop celebrities such as Rick Ross, Nelly, and Soulja Boy.

Despite his turbocharged career and longstanding influence in hip-hop, Snoop Dogg's latest act has drawn ire from fans who feel betrayed by his shift from vocal criticism of Trump to performing at a significant event in his honor. In 2016, Snoop boldly opposed Trump's candidacy, famously stating in an Instagram video, "We ain’t voting for your punk a**," as he smoked marijuana while promoting the anti-Trump anthem “FDT” by YG and Nipsey Hussle. In a later track titled “M.A.C.A. (Make America Crip Again),” he further expressed his disdain for Trump.

The backlash intensified as social media users voiced their outrage. One post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, "Watching Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg all perform at Trump’s inaugural event adds an extreme amount of validation to what Malcolm X said about some black celebrities being puppets," reflecting deep disappointment among fans. Another derogatorily labeled Snoop Dogg as a "white supremacist, insurrectionist ally," highlighting the severe discontent over his apparent endorsement of Trump.

Contrasting his past statements, Snoop Dogg’s sentiments regarding Trump have noticeably shifted over the years, especially following the former president’s decision to grant clemency to Michael "Harry-O" Harris, a close friend and co-founder of Death Row Records. After the pardon, Snoop publicly acknowledged Trump, stating in a Newsweek interview that Trump "ain't done nothing wrong to me." This statement marks a decisive pivot from his previous antipathy towards Trump, showcasing a complicated relationship that has evolved over time.

In light of his performance at the Crypto Ball, Snoop Dogg is experiencing the duality of being both a celebrated artist and a controversial figure whose decisions resonate with complex racial and societal dynamics. His recent remarks have left many fans reeling, questioning his current alignment with Trump's ideologies.

This performance certainly sets a remarkable precedent for Snoop Dogg’s legacy, inviting further scrutiny on the relationship between celebrity culture and political endorsements. As some fans stand firm in their disapproval, it remains to be seen how this chapter will influence Snoop's career in the long run.

For more details on Snoop Dogg's past comments about Trump and this event, read further from Newsweek.