WASHINGTON, USA – Rapper Snoop Dogg is facing criticism from fans after performing at the “Crypto Ball,” an exclusive event in Washington, D.C., celebrating President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The event, reportedly sponsored by prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry, has sparked a heated debate on social media about the artist’s apparent shift in political alliances.
Performance Draws Criticism
Tickets for the black-tie affair were priced at $2,500 each, according to an invitation circulating on social media platform X.
Videos of Snoop Dogg’s performance posted on Instagram showed the rapper entertaining a well-heeled crowd, but the footage quickly became a lightning rod for criticism.
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“This is culturally embarrassing and disrespectful asf,” one Instagram user commented. Another wrote, “Snoop been sold out and if you don’t see it now you’re in denial!”
On X, Snoop’s name trended on Saturday with over 85,000 posts, many condemning his appearance at an event associated with Trump’s supporters.
“2pac always was right about snoop dogg, he always playing both sides for a check and some clout smh,” one user posted, referencing the late rapper Tupac Shakur.
Meanwhile, some figures aligned with Trump’s base welcomed the rapper’s performance. Barron Trump’s close friend Bo Loudon posted, “Welcome to MAGA, Snoop!”
Hanging with the legendary Snoop Dogg, who is set to perform at President Trump’s inauguration.
President Trump is unifying the country and will bring us into the GOLDEN AGE!
Welcome to MAGA, Snoop! pic.twitter.com/Bq3plmttzV
— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) January 18, 2025
Snoop’s Complicated History with Trump
Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, has a history of both criticising and supporting Donald Trump.
In the lead-up to Trump’s 2016 election, Snoop was outspoken in his disdain for the then-candidate, describing him as a “motherf—er” in an interview with Rolling Stone.
In March 2017, Snoop escalated his criticism with a music video that depicted him pretending to shoot a Trump lookalike, an action that drew significant controversy at the time.
However, Snoop’s rhetoric has softened in recent years.
In a January 2024 interview with The Times of London, the rapper expressed a markedly different perspective: “He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”

Fans React to Perceived Contradictions
Snoop’s evolving stance has left some fans feeling alienated.
Critics have accused the rapper of prioritising financial gain over cultural solidarity, a sentiment reflected in the heated backlash over his performance at the Crypto Ball.
As of Sunday, Snoop Dogg has not publicly addressed the criticism.
Donald Trump’s inauguration will include a “Crypto Ball,” with technology industry leaders celebrating him as “the first crypto president”. pic.twitter.com/88KdGQ1Iyf
— Documenting ₿itcoin 📄 (@DocumentingBTC) January 13, 2025
Larger Cultural Implications
The controversy surrounding Snoop’s appearance at the Trump-aligned event underscores broader cultural and political tensions in the entertainment industry.
Artists who engage with politically polarising figures often risk alienating their fan bases, and Snoop’s performance has reignited debates about loyalty, authenticity, and the intersection of art and politics.
Whether Snoop will respond to the backlash or allow his actions to speak for themselves remains to be seen, but the incident has once again thrust the rapper into the centre of a contentious national conversation.