President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural committee is having "no trouble whatsoever" finding performers for his Jan. 20 festivities, senior adviser Boris Epshteyn said Thursday, while denying Trump is upset about the lack of big names on the program.
"We have wonderful people from all over the world, wonderful performers," Epshteyn told MSNBC. "We have a great performance already rolled out. Jackie Evancho is to perform the National Anthem, and her records have gone through the roof because they're proud of her."
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Rockettes will also perform, Epshteyn said, and even though one of the dancers has said she'll refuse to attend, but the others are "excited to perform."
The one dancer, whose name has not been reported, told "Marie Claire" magazine that it's important to her to stay out, and the performing arts community will stand behind her if she loses her job, but Epshteyn pointed out that there's "no name there, notice that."
"It's any one individual's prerogative, but The Rockettes said they had more women to apply than what they had, and they represent the best of America," said Epshteyn.
However, Trump has said his presidency is "all about the people," Epshteyn said, and there are supporters coming from all over the country to celebrate the inauguration.
Trump is working on his speech, and Epshteyn said while he's inspired by past presidents, Trump will be speaking with his own words and voice, and the address won't just be about the length.
"There are no celebrities needed," he said. "It's about the message. It's about the message of America being a city on a hill once again, about America being a leader in the world once again and that's what Donald J. Trump will be speaking about and about unity and being president for all Americans. Those are some of the messages you should look to in the address. It will be a wonderful address that speaks to all Americans. "
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.