Nelly expects President Trump to ‘step up, serve and uplift us all’ after rapper faces backlash

After facing backlash for agreeing to perform at President Donald Trump’s inaugural ball and then defending himself, rapper Nelly is turning to the commander in chief to guide and “uplift” the nation.

“It was an honor to have performed for the highest office in the greatest nation,” Nelly told Fox News Digital exclusively about her performance on Monday.

“Now we look to the president to step up and serve and uplift us all.”

Before taking the stage, Nelly was greeted by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and their families, a source shared with Fox News Digital.

The rapper, along with other artists including Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus, performed at the Liberty Ball following the inauguration.

Before his performance, Nelly, real name Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., attended the Commander in Chief’s Ball.

A source said throughout the evening, Nelly took photos with military officers and thanked them for their service.

The source previously revealed to Fox News Digital that the rapper, born on a military base, had several family members who had served, a sentiment noted during his entrance on stage.

Accompanied by her dancers dressed as Secret Service, Nelly began the show by performing the famous song “Hail to the Chief”, before performing a series of her biggest hits, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre” .

His dancers later wore hats emblazoned with “USA.”

Over the weekend, Nelly faced backlash following her decision to join the inaugural celebrations. “I don’t do this for the money. I do this because it’s an honor. I respect the office,” the St. Louis native said during a live chat with fellow rapper Willie D.

“It doesn’t matter who is in power. In the same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, must go to war and risk their lives for whoever is in power,” he continued.

“So if they can risk their lives for whoever is in power, I can definitely play for whoever is in power.”

The insider told Fox News Digital that in addition to her father, Nelly’s aunts and uncles “all served in the military for our democracy and the right to vote for all of us.” He has personally stayed away from politics and would not participate in any campaign for anyone, but this performance is for the highest office,” stressing that the 50-year-old considers this performance “an honor.”

After the ball, the source reiterated that while Nelly understood “people’s differing opinions,” he also saw his performance as an opportunity to bring people together and implement change.

During the conversation with Willie D., the singer also spoke directly to his critics, pushing back against the notion that Trump was a white supremacist.

“I would ask them to show me where he is a white supremacist,” Nelly retorted.

“Politics, for me, is over. He won! He’s the president,” the rapper said.

“He is the commander in chief of what I would like to call the best country in the world.”

“It is my honor to perform in front of the President of the United States, whoever is in office. If President Biden had asked me to play, I would have done it. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and asked me to play, I would have,” he said.

Nelly is set to embark on her ‘Where The Party At’ world tour in March.