On July 28, 2024, rap icon Cardi B took to X to criticize former President Donald Trump following his controversial remarks promising federal immunity for police officers. Trump’s comments have sparked widespread backlash, especially in light of the recent tragic shooting of Sonya Massey by a police officer in Illinois.
Trump, currently a candidate in the upcoming November 2024 presidential elections, addressed his supporters in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He stated, “I want to give immunity to police to do their job. I’m giving federal immunity to police officers so they can do their job.” This declaration has been met with significant opposition, notably from Cardi B, who reposted the video of Trump’s speech with the caption: “AFTER WATCHING SONYA MASSEY GET KILLED IN 4K …..just wow ….he never changed.”
The incident involving Sonya Massey occurred on July 6, 2024. Massey, fearing an intruder, called 911 for help. When the police arrived at her home in Illinois, Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson allegedly shot and killed her after a brief encounter. Grayson has since been fired and faces multiple charges. The bodycam footage of the incident shows Grayson shooting Massey after an argument over a pot of boiling water, which she was asked to put down while the officers searched her house.
Cardi B, a vocal critic of Trump, has used her platform to speak out against his policies and remarks. Following Trump’s speech in Wisconsin, Cardi expressed her outrage at his promise of police immunity, particularly in the wake of the Massey shooting. Her post drew attention to the lack of accountability for police actions, a recurring issue in the United States.
The Bodak Yellow singer also criticized conservative commentator Candace Owens, who claimed that Massey’s killing was “not racially motivated.” Cardi responded vehemently, stating, “You don’t feel one little bit of empathy, a little bit of sympathy of how this woman died? There was no argument, there was no conflict, there was no raised voice, and she got shot. He knew in the back of his head because she was a Black woman that he was going to get away with it.”
This isn’t the first time Cardi B has openly opposed Trump. On July 27, 2024, she reacted to Trump’s statement about how Christians “won’t have to vote after 2024,” sharing the video with the caption: “Whistle blowing a dictatorship?” Her repeated criticisms of Trump highlight her stance against his policies and statements, which she believes undermine justice and equality.
Trump’s pledge to grant police officers federal immunity has intensified the debate over police accountability, especially following incidents like Massey’s. The bodycam footage of Massey’s shooting shows the officers entering her home and an argument ensuing over a pot of boiling water. Despite the argument’s seemingly trivial nature, Grayson is seen drawing his pistol and shooting Massey, resulting in her death.
Grayson has been arrested and fired but has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This incident, among others, underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in cases of police violence. Cardi B’s outspoken criticism of Trump and her support for victims like Massey reflect a broader call for systemic change and greater scrutiny of law enforcement practices.
As the nation heads towards the November elections, the issues of police reform and accountability remain at the forefront of public discourse, fueled by voices like Cardi B’s who demand a fair and just system for all.