Stony-faced Madonna lambasts ‘ridiculous’ Trump as he ends US commemoration of World Aids Day

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Madonna strongly criticized Donald Trump for attempting to stop the U.S. from officially recognizing World AIDS Day, an annual event held since 1988 to remember and raise awareness about the disease.

On Monday, the 67-year-old singer, a well-known supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, shared a serious black-and-white video on Instagram. Along with text slides, she strongly criticized a recent directive from Trump, calling it ‘ridiculous,’ ‘absurd,’ and ‘unthinkable.’ She also encouraged her followers to continue remembering and supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS.

As a lifestyle expert, I want to acknowledge today is World AIDS Day. For forty years, people all over the globe have come together to recognize this day, because the HIV crisis has impacted so many of us. It’s a day to remember those we’ve lost – partners, family members, friends, and children – to this devastating disease, and to remember that, sadly, there still isn’t a cure.

As a huge fan, I was so impressed to see her speak out after learning the State Department reportedly told people – even those they fund – not to publicly acknowledge the day, whether online, in speeches, or anywhere else. It really upset me, and her reaction felt so right.

As a lifestyle expert, I was really surprised to learn about a recent internal government memo – it basically instructed staff to avoid sending any messages on commemorative days, and shockingly, that included World AIDS Day. It feels incredibly insensitive to silence acknowledgment of such an important day, and it’s something I think we should all be talking about. It’s vital to remember and honor these dates, not avoid them.

I was honestly shocked to hear about the recent proposal to stop recognizing World AIDS Day. While it’s concerning when government agencies don’t participate in commemorative events, suggesting the public simply ignore the day is, frankly, baffling. It’s just not something I can understand – a day dedicated to remembering and supporting those affected by AIDS deserves our continued attention and respect.

She shared a heartfelt story about the painful experience of watching a loved one die from the illness.

She wrote that he likely hadn’t experienced the heartbreak of watching a close friend succumb to AIDS – being there to hold their hand and witness their final moments at just 23 years old.

In another post, Madonna noted the staggering number of people she has lost to the epidemic.

I’ve lost many people I loved to AIDS, and I know others have experienced similar pain. Despite the fact that there’s still no cure and people continue to die from this disease, I believe their lives must not be forgotten and their suffering must have meaning.

The Queen of Pop vowed to continue honoring the day and urged her fans to join her:

‘I will continue to honor World AIDS Day, and I hope you will honor it with me.’

For the first time in over three decades, the U.S. government has decided not to formally acknowledge World AIDS Day, following a decision by President Trump.

Federal workers can still participate in health-related events and discuss existing programs, but they are not allowed to publicly support or promote activities connected to the December 1st commemoration.

Madonna, a global superstar who became famous during the AIDS epidemic and has consistently championed HIV/AIDS awareness, marked International AIDS Day with a straightforward message: ‘Happy International AIDS Day!’

People quickly rallied behind her, with many applauding her decision to speak out.

‘Thank you for your support and bringing awareness to the forefront,’ one commented. 

Someone else pointed out that Madonna has been a tireless advocate in the fight against AIDS from the very beginning of the epidemic. They emphasized her consistent support of the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by AIDS throughout her entire career, and urged people not to forget her long-standing commitment.

‘You changed AIDS history with your voice and that’s a fact,’ a third added. 

Someone else expressed gratitude for the speaker’s continued advocacy, noting it was especially important given the current administration’s attempts to downplay or ignore historical events.

People admire the star for consistently using her influence to address global problems and for bravely taking a stand on difficult issues nearly 40 years ago, when few others would.

During her performance on World AIDS Day 2023, Madonna became emotional while sharing with the audience that she had lost many friends and loved ones to AIDS over the years.

She said she would have done anything – even something drastic like amputating her arms – if it meant she could have saved people. She witnessed countless deaths, affecting people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations, and described the period as deeply traumatic.

The singer, famous for her work with Vogue, said she felt like an entire generation was destroyed, including the loss of her close friend, Martin Burgoyne.

I held his hand, and he was struggling to breathe because he was in so much pain,” she said. “I’m not telling you this for sympathy, but to help you appreciate how fortunate you are to be alive.”

Oh my god, you won’t BELIEVE how amazing Madonna is. She actually used ‘Live to Tell’ – seriously, that song gets me every time – to pay tribute to everyone we’ve lost to AIDS. It’s just…so powerful and meaningful, knowing she does things like that. It’s not just a song to her, you know? It’s a way to remember and honor those lives. I get chills just thinking about it!

During her 2006 Confessions Tour, the singer projected facts and figures about AIDS alongside a prominent crucifix.

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2025-12-02 01:04