Pop star Renée Rapp took to the stage in Portland, Oregon, recently to deliver a passionate and expletive-laden condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and former President Donald Trump. While performing for an enthusiastic crowd, Rapp expressed her frustration with the current political climate and the treatment of immigrants in the United States.
From here, the charismatic Rapp has gone on to become one of the fastest rising US pop stars. She garnered a lot of attention with her provocative, swaggering remarks. She’s best known for her lead performance in the Broadway production of “Mean Girls” and her starring role in the HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls.” Because beyond being an extraordinary performer, she’s a vocal advocate for social justice causes.
During her performance, she criticized Trump’s administration, particularly in light of his recent comments about Portland being a “war zone.” The pop icon decried the violent and unconscionable measures enacted by federal troops that have caused alarm and unrest among Portlanders.
“Fuck ICE. Fuck this administration. And fuck Trump.” – Renée Rapp
Rapp’s comments resonate with more and more musicians and artists. They are taking a stand against ICE as immigration raids surge across the country. These comments from the pop star reflect what many people in the community are feeling. They believe federal actions are not bound by accountability and transparency today.
In her rant, Rapp expressed her anger over the injustices faced by individuals caught up in the immigration system, stating, “some other people who shouldn’t fucking be here are…” She focused on the ugly divides that these policies have fostered. Then, she called for a re-evaluation of how we treat immigrants.
Her performance in Portland overlapped with national outcry to Trump’s announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Many local leaders, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, have spoken out against such characterizations, asserting that “there is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security.”
Rapp’s music is a force to be reckoned with. Her second album, Bite Me, became her first No. 1 record on UK charts and US charts, moving to No. 3 this August. This meteoric rise to fame has anointed her as one of the hottest voices in both the music and acting world.
Aside from her musical achievements, Rapp has stayed true to her mission of elevating important social issues through her platform. She joined fellow artists in expressing concern over the treatment of immigrants and the broader implications of current federal policies.
“The actions of certain federal officers continue to be deeply disturbing to our community,” – Wilson
As Rapp pursues her career in entertainment, she is unapologetic about her experiences and unafraid to call out injustices. Her recent performance in Portland serves as a reminder of the power of artists to influence public discourse and advocate for change.