Billie Eilish takes aim at Trump Administration's human rights record in emotional speech.
The pop star and climate activist used her acceptance of the MLK Jr. Beloved Community Award for Environmental Justice to scold those perpetuating inequality, specifically referencing President Donald Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The musician, who is 24, emphasized that despite her own efforts to promote sustainability, environmental justice, and social equality, it seems like "it feels less achievable than ever" due to the current state of the US.
Eilish cited instances of civil rights violations, including peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, as well as ICE agents' actions. She drew attention to 32 people who died in ICE custody over the past year, noting that it is one of the agency's deadliest years on record. Eilish also referenced the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
The musician expressed her concern that protecting the planet and communities are not priorities for Trump's administration, stating, "It's very clear that protecting our planet and our communities is not a priority for this administration." She noted that young people, like herself, are often expected to take action against problems they never should have encountered, highlighting examples of Amariyanna Copeny, Greta Thunberg, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students.
Eilish emphasized her responsibility as a platform holder to use her voice for change, expressing gratitude for the community that has supported her. She also thanked her parents for raising her to make a positive impact on society.
The pop star and climate activist used her acceptance of the MLK Jr. Beloved Community Award for Environmental Justice to scold those perpetuating inequality, specifically referencing President Donald Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The musician, who is 24, emphasized that despite her own efforts to promote sustainability, environmental justice, and social equality, it seems like "it feels less achievable than ever" due to the current state of the US.
Eilish cited instances of civil rights violations, including peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, as well as ICE agents' actions. She drew attention to 32 people who died in ICE custody over the past year, noting that it is one of the agency's deadliest years on record. Eilish also referenced the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
The musician expressed her concern that protecting the planet and communities are not priorities for Trump's administration, stating, "It's very clear that protecting our planet and our communities is not a priority for this administration." She noted that young people, like herself, are often expected to take action against problems they never should have encountered, highlighting examples of Amariyanna Copeny, Greta Thunberg, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students.
Eilish emphasized her responsibility as a platform holder to use her voice for change, expressing gratitude for the community that has supported her. She also thanked her parents for raising her to make a positive impact on society.
... I'm getting old vibes from this article 
... Billie Eilish is speaking truth to power, fam 
... it's heartbreaking to see what's happening with ICE and the treatment of peaceful protesters 
... like, 32 people die in their custody last year? That's wild 
... and that one where they killed Renee Nicole Good... it's like, no more 
... I remember when Martin Luther King Jr. was alive, we were fighting for equality and justice too 
... but now it feels like we're taking two steps forward and one step back 
... still, Billie Eilish is using her platform for good, and that's what matters 
... gotta keep speaking out, even if it feels like we're not making progress 
...
anyone who thinks trump's admin is doing a good job on human rights needs to take a step back and reevaluate what they want from life 
but kudos to billie for using her platform to speak out against injustice 
I'm seriously livid about what's going down with this administration... Billie Eilish is totally right to speak out against the blatant disregard for human rights, especially when it comes to immigration and environmental issues 
. It's crazy that these politicians can't see the harm they're causing just by being in power - 32 people have died in ICE custody over the past year alone... that's just heartbreaking 
. And can we talk about how ICE agents seem to think they're above the law just by wearing a badge? It's so messed up 
.
. We need more people like Billie speaking truth to power and fighting for what's right 
like 32 people in ice custody died last year and Renee was just brutally murdered by an agent! and yall talkin bout environmental justice but its not even on their radar 
we need more voices like hers making a difference
my kid is in elementary school and every time they hear about kids being deported or arrested by ICE, it breaks my heart 
i wish trump would take climate change more seriously, it's literally the most pressing issue of our generation 
still super proud of billie for speaking up for what's right though! 