Things aren’t looking good for Biden right now.
Cardi B, the renowned rapper whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, recently reiterated her dissatisfaction with Joe Biden, adding her voice to a growing chorus of celebrities of color who are distancing themselves from the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Cardi B affirmed her decision not to participate in the 2024 elections. This shift from her previous endorsement of Biden in the lead-up to the 2020 election reflects what she described as “layers and layers of disappointment” with the current administration.
“I feel like people got betrayed,” Cardi B lamented. “It’s just like, damn, y’all not caring about nobody.”
One of the issues that Cardi B highlighted was the allocation of an additional $26.38 billion to Israel by Congress, under Biden’s leadership, amidst the conflict in Gaza against Hamas. She suggested that artists of color, like herself, could face professional repercussions for expressing their opposition to the war.
“The U.S. shouldn’t be funding endless wars, especially in countries that have long been suffering,” Cardi B asserted. “There are nations where innocent children are losing their lives every day, but because it doesn’t serve America’s interests, they turn a blind eye. I don’t appreciate this notion of America as a superhero. Our actions have often been driven by self-interest, not altruism.”
Notably, few celebrities have publicly endorsed Biden during this election cycle. Even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who previously supported the incumbent, withdrew his endorsement. However, some, like writer and actress Mindy Kaling and singer Lizzo, have thrown their support behind Biden by participating in his fundraising events.
Meanwhile, Biden has intensified efforts to court black voters, recently announcing an additional $16 billion in federal funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He is also slated to address Morehouse College, an HBCU, during its upcoming commencement ceremony.
Cardi B’s critique highlights the complexities and nuances within the celebrity sphere regarding political endorsements and activism. As the 2024 elections loom closer, her outspokenness adds to the broader conversation about the role of celebrities in shaping public opinion and political discourse.