Just like many Americans, Lady Gaga has had to deal with family members with different political views from hers. After it was announced that the 34-year-old would be performing the National Anthem at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration on Wednesday, January 20, many fans wonder how her father, who has previously supported President Donald Trump, would react.
“I’m extremely proud that she’s able to participate,” Joe Germanotta told Fox News this week. “I’m looking forward to watching it.”
Ahead of Election Day, the New York City restaurateur endorsed the controversial Republican, tweeting “@realDonaldTrump 2020,” to his 65,000 followers and sparking outrage among his daughter’s diehard “Little Monsters.”
“You may have noticed my political and spiritual beliefs are different. liberty and freedom of choice would not be political,” he wrote in a subsequent tweet, PEOPLE reported. Both tweets were later deleted.
Meanwhile, the “Rain On Me” singer showed her support for the 2020 Democratic ticket, traveling to Pennsylvania to perform at Biden’s last drive-in campaign event.
“To all the women, and to all the men with daughters and sisters and mothers — everybody, no matter how you identify, now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters or mothers or wives by any part of their body,” she told the socially-distanced crowd at the Battle for the Soul of the Nation rally.
Trump later exploited the famous family’s divided beliefs, making disparaging comments about the A Star Is Born actress.
“Now he’s got Lady Gaga,” the 74-year-old mused to supporters during his own rally in the swing state referring to musician’s support for Biden. “Lady Gaga — is not too good. I could tell you plenty of stories. I could tell you stories about Lady Gaga. I know a lot of stories about Lady Gaga,” he added.
The Grammy winner, who previously sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl 50 in 2016, will perform at Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ swearing-in ceremony Wednesday, which typically begins around 11:30 a.m. ET on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Additionally, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, and Ant Clemons, will perform on the Inauguration Day prime time TV special, Celebrating America. The 90-minute broadcast will be hosted by Tom Hanks and air on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
“We are thrilled to announce an inspired group of dynamic participants for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies,” PIC CEO Tony Allen said in a statement, which was released on Thursday. “They represent one clear picture of the grand diversity of our great nation and will help honor and celebrate the time-honored traditions of the presidential inauguration as President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris take the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.”
“Lady Gaga is a one-of-a kind artist, performer and a trailblazer in beauty and fashion,” the statement continued. “She is also an outspoken activist, philanthropist and supporter of many important issues including mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and body image issues. During the Obama-Biden Administration, she worked closely with President-elect Biden’s “It’s On Us” campaign to address sexual assault on college campuses.”
Germanotta said he will not be attending the historic event, but hopes for his daughter’s safety following the Capitol riots by Trump supporters on Wednesday, January 6.
“I hope everybody stays happy, safe and it’s a calm day,” he said, adding that he has “normal fears that a father would have any time my daughter performs.”
