Smokey Robinson shares verdict on Trump returning to the White House

‘I’ll be glad when the next four years are up,’ singer said

Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Tuesday 18 February 2025 04:28 GMT
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Smokey Robinson has shared his opinion on Donald Trump returning to the White House.

The songwriter, 84, who’s known for hits including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”, “The Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second That Emotion” admitted he’s already looking forward to Trump’s term being over.

Trump was inaugurated as the 47th US President just one month ago but has already signed a slew of concerning executive orders targeting LGBT+ rights and immigration pathways.

Speaking to The Times, Robinson said: “I don’t know about him, man. I’m not a Trumper. Whatever he says, I take it with a grain of salt.”

He added: “I was at the Obama inauguration, the Biden inauguration, and there was no way I would have gone to this one. I didn’t even watch it. And I’ll be glad when the next four years are up.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Robinson expressed his admiration of Martin Luther King, who Trump bizarrely compared himself to in 2020.

“He was a regal man,” the Miracles frontman said of the civil rights leader. “Even if you didn’t know who he was you would respect him, simply through his presence.”

Smokey Robinson has shared his verdict on Trump returning to the White House
Smokey Robinson has shared his verdict on Trump returning to the White House (2019 Invision)

Robinson added: “He came to Motown and said, ‘I want to record a speech here, because you guys are doing with music what I’m trying to legislate. You’re bringing the races together.’

“The Miracles played down south when there would be a rope in the centre of the hall – white people on one side, black people on the other – and by the end of the concert they would all be dancing together. Martin Luther King recognised the power the music had.”

Back in October last year, Robinson urged American voters to support Kamala Harris in the presidential election. “I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, I'm an American and I love my country,” he said.

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“I’ve been blessed to have a job that's afforded me the chance to go all over the world and as far as i'm concerned the United States of America is the greatest place on earth.”

Trump became the 47th US President in January and immediately signed a slew of controversial executive orders
Trump became the 47th US President in January and immediately signed a slew of controversial executive orders (Getty Images)

He continued: “I’ve never felt the need to campaign publicly until now. This is the most important election of my lifetime and as far as I’m concerned it’s a choice between good and evil.”

“I really don’t understand how any person of colour or any woman could find it in their hearts to vote for Donald Trump. He’s a spoilt brat child who retaliates against anyone who opposes him on any issue.”

Robinson added: “He thinks he’s better than you. He thinks he’s slicker than you. That he can stand up and lie in your face and then turn right around and say he didn’t do it…I hope you all wake up and vote.”

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