Can She Survive: Gloria Gaynor Faces Backlash For Donating Thousands To MAGA Republicans
Written by b87fm on 09/03/2025
Gloria Gaynor Named 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree Amid Trump Controversy
Gloria Gaynor, the legendary voice behind the anthem “I Will Survive,” has officially been named one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees. But the celebration hasn’t come without controversy—largely because the announcement came directly from Donald Trump, who also teased renaming the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center.”
The ceremony is set for December 7th in Washington, D.C., with Trump himself expected to host, adding an extra layer of political tension to what is normally a night celebrating artistry and culture.
Fans React
For many LGBTQ+ fans, “I Will Survive” is more than a disco classic—it’s an anthem of empowerment. Some expressed disappointment that Gaynor would accept recognition under Trump, whose record on LGBTQ+ rights and divisive rhetoric continues to spark backlash.
Ana Navarro, co-host of The View, even urged Gaynor to decline the honor, calling it inappropriate to stand beside Trump’s brand of politics.
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On Instagram, Gaynor reposted Trump’s announcement and celebrated the recognition but has since limited comments after receiving waves of criticism. Meanwhile, her Twitter account has quietly been deleted.
The Political Backstory
While Gaynor once described herself as “not a political person,” Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show her stance shifted in recent years.
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In 2016, she made a small donation to Ben Carson.
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But between 2023 and 2024, her giving reportedly surged, with nearly $22,000 donated to Republican candidates and PACs, including names like Mike Johnson, Marsha Blackburn, Josh Hawley, Elise Stefanik, and Nikki Haley.
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One PAC she supported—New Journey PAC—has been linked to pushing MAGA-aligned candidates to Black voters.
It’s worth noting: according to donation records, Gaynor hasn’t given directly to Trump. In fact, some of her contributions to candidates like Carson, Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy could suggest she’s not necessarily aligned with Trump personally.
What’s Next
As the Kennedy Center Honors draw closer, the spotlight isn’t just on Gaynor’s career-defining music, but also on how she navigates the political firestorm tied to this award.
Will she accept the honor as a moment to celebrate her five decades of artistry? Or will she make a statement that separates her legacy from Trump’s political theater?
For now, Gaynor remains quiet—leaving both fans and critics waiting to see how this chapter of her survival story plays out.
