Billy Ray Cyrus is among the musical acts scheduled to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, joining an eclectic lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, the Village People, Gavin DeGraw, Lee Greenwood, Rascal Flatts, and Kid Rock. However, his decision to participate has sparked surprise and controversy, given his daughter Miley Cyrus’ openly critical stance on Trump and a history of tensions between the president-elect and the Cyrus family.
Billy Ray’s conservative views are well-documented, but his appearance at the event comes despite Trump’s past remarks about Miley. At a Bitcoin conference in July, Trump took a jab at the pop star, contrasting her political views with her father’s.
“Billy Ray Cyrus is here. Where is Billy Ray? He’s around here someplace, and he’s great. He’s a conservative guy,” Trump remarked, before adding, “How did you get such a liberal daughter, Billy Ray? How did that happen?”
The comments were viewed by many as dismissive and condescending, especially given Miley Cyrus’ strong public opposition to Trump. In a 2019 interview with Vanity Fair, Miley labeled Trump a “completely racist, sexist, hateful asshole,” leaving little doubt about her political stance.
Following the announcement of Billy Ray’s performance at the inauguration, social media was abuzz with reactions, many of them critical. Fans of Miley Cyrus were quick to voice their disapproval.
“Someone please adopt Miley Cyrus, she deserves better,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “I see he’s trying to mooch off of Miley’s last name.”
The apparent political divide between father and daughter has fueled speculation about a potential rift in their relationship. Rumors gained traction last year when Miley notably omitted any mention of her father during her Grammy acceptance speech. This omission raised eyebrows, as Billy Ray had been a significant figure in her career, particularly during her early years as the star of Disney’s Hannah Montana.
Billy Ray’s participation in Trump’s inauguration has further fanned the flames of speculation, though neither he nor Miley has publicly addressed the situation directly. As of Thursday, Miley had not commented on her father’s decision to perform, leaving fans and observers to interpret the silence as a possible indicator of tension.
Despite the controversy, Billy Ray appears undeterred. Known for his hit song “Achy Breaky Heart” and a long career in country music, he has maintained a steady presence in the industry. His involvement in high-profile events like Trump’s inauguration reflects his willingness to stand by his political convictions, even if it means facing public backlash.
For Trump’s inauguration, the inclusion of Billy Ray Cyrus, along with other notable performers like Carrie Underwood and Kid Rock, underscores an effort to appeal to a broad audience. However, the event has not been without its share of controversy, with some artists declining invitations due to political disagreements with the incoming administration.
The divide between Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus highlights a broader cultural and generational clash that mirrors the polarized political landscape in the United States. Miley, known for her activism and outspoken advocacy for progressive causes, has often used her platform to champion issues like LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and racial justice. Her father, on the other hand, has embraced conservative values, creating a stark contrast between their public personas.
The media and fans alike have speculated whether the political and personal differences between the two have caused lasting damage to their relationship. While Billy Ray’s willingness to perform at Trump’s inauguration might deepen the divide in public perception, it also underscores the complexities of navigating familial bonds in a politically charged climate.
Ultimately, Billy Ray Cyrus’ participation in the inauguration is likely to remain a focal point of discussion, both for his music and the broader implications of his decision. As the event draws closer, all eyes will be on how the inauguration unfolds and whether the lingering tensions between father and daughter will surface publicly.
In the meantime, the debate over Billy Ray’s decision serves as a reminder of how deeply politics can permeate not only society at large but also the intimate dynamics of family relationships.
