Donald Trump’s “absurd” silence on World AIDS Day is criticized by Madonna

The US President and his administration were criticized by the Material Girl hitmaker for being silent on Monday, the international day set aside to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic.

“Today is World AIDS Day,” Madonna posted on Instagram. Because the HIV issue has affected the lives of millions of people worldwide, this day has been recognized for forty years by people from all walks of life.

“This deadly disease, for which there is currently no cure, has claimed the lives of mothers, daughters, boyfriends, lovers, husbands, wives, girlfriends, and children.”

Madonna went on to say that she was disappointed by the Trump administration’s lack of observance, which is the first time since the day’s inception in 1988 that the US government has not observed it.

“Donald Trump has declared that World AIDS Day should no longer be recognized,” the 67-year-old singer stated.

“Directing federal agents to avoid celebrating this day is one thing, but asking the public to act as though it never occurred is unimaginable, ludicrous, and absurd.

“I bet he has never held his best friend’s hand, seen the blood drain from their face as they took their final breath at the age of 23, or witnessed their death from AIDS.”

The Queen of Pop went on: “I have a fairly extensive list of people that I have known, loved, and lost to AIDS. I’m sure a lot of you can identify with this.

Let me reiterate: there is now no treatment for AIDS, and the disease continues to claim lives. I will not accept that these people’s deaths were in vain. Additionally, I hope you will join me in commemorating World AIDS Day.

Madonna has previously criticized the Trump administration for “slowly dismantling” the LGBTQ+ community’s “freedoms” in the US.

The Vogue singer posted the following on X in January, along with the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag and a broken heart emoji: “It’s so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years.” 

“Keep up the battle!”