Snoop Dogg is the latest celebrity to face backlash from fans over his involvement with President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Just days after reports surfaced that Kim Kardashian lost nearly 150,000 Instagram followers for posting a photo of First Lady Melania Trump, Snoop experienced an even steeper decline.
Following his performance at the Crypto Ball on January 17, 2025, ahead of Trump’s inauguration, the rapper lost 571,800 Instagram followers—an average of nearly 50,000 per day. On X (formerly Twitter), he lost 17,177 followers during the same period.
Fans were shocked by Snoop’s participation, given his outspoken criticism of Trump supporters during the former president’s first term. This apparent change of heart fueled accusations of hypocrisy.
Many took to social media to voice their disappointment, with one fan saying, “Shaking and crying as I unfollow Snoop Dogg on all platforms,” and another adding, “How could he turn on us?”
Snoop addressed the backlash in an Instagram Live, saying, “It’s Sunday man, I got gospel in my heart right now. For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black.” Despite his comments, his follower count continues to plummet.
Social media marketing expert Thomas Moore from Viralyft weighed in on the controversy, stating, “The enormous drop in followers from Snoop Dogg’s Instagram account, along with the criticism across platforms, highlights the impact political statements can make, whether it’s a social media post or simply appearing at a party.
he got bothered written all over his face he knows he's ashamed but Snoop never hesitated to sell his likeness to the highest bidder
— heavenhollywood (@heavenhollywood) January 27, 2025
Many cite their desire to unfollow the rapper because of his contradicting stance on President Trump between his first term and his second term.”
Snoop’s change in stance may stem from Trump’s pardon of Michael “Harry O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, whom Snoop lobbied to release. Harris was serving a 25-year-to-life sentence for drug trafficking and attempted murder. Speaking to The Sunday Times last year, Snoop credited Trump for helping Harris, saying, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. […] He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris.”
Moore speculated whether Snoop’s follower count might stabilize or even rebound, saying, “It will be interesting to observe Snoop Dogg’s following and see if this loss continues to grow or if it turns around, with those who favor Trump choosing to follow the rapper.”
The backlash isn’t limited to Snoop. Kim Kardashian, DJ 3LAU, and Jewel have also faced criticism for their perceived support of Trump. Kardashian’s follower loss came after she posted an image of Melania Trump’s outfit at the inauguration. DJ 3LAU defended his performance at Trump’s Starlight Ball, calling it “an honor,” and stated that his travel expenses were the only costs covered. Jewel, meanwhile, apologized after performing at an event honoring Trump’s health secretary pick, explaining that her decision was motivated by mental health advocacy.
