Madonna criticizes Donald Trump for canceling World AIDS Day: 'It's absurd, it's unthinkable'

Madonna has expressed strong disapproval of President Donald Trump's choice to not officially recognize World AIDS Day this year. On Monday, the "Like a Virgin" icon marked the international day dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness with a heartfelt post on social media, condemning the administration for its omission.

Sharing her message on Instagram, Madonna highlighted the significance of the day, noting that this is the first year since its inception in 1988 that the U.S. has not acknowledged World AIDS Day. She wrote, "Today is World AIDS Day. For four decades, this day has been recognized globally, touching millions of lives affected by the HIV crisis. People have lost partners, family members, and friends to this relentless disease, which still has no cure."

A longstanding advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, Madonna voiced her disappointment over the government's silence. She stated, "Donald Trump has decided that World AIDS Day should no longer be recognized. Asking federal agents to ignore it is one thing, but urging the public to act as if it never happened is absurd. I doubt he has ever witnessed a close friend die from AIDS, holding their hand as they took their last breath at 23."

She continued, "I have known and lost many people to AIDS, and I know many others have too. There is still no cure, and people continue to die. I will not let their deaths be forgotten. I will keep honoring World AIDS Day, and I hope you will join me."

World AIDS Day has been observed annually on December 1 since 1988 and is one of 11 official global public health campaigns organized by the World Health Organization. Recently, the U.S. State Department informed employees via email that government offices would not commemorate the day, stating that federal funds cannot be used for any awareness activities and that staff must avoid promoting the day publicly through social media, speeches, or other channels. This announcement comes after federal budget cuts affecting HIV/AIDS programs.

Author: Sophia Brooks