Doechii blasts Trump and defends trans people at BET Awards: ‘We all deserve to live in hope’

Doechii has issued a rallying cry against President Trump and his extreme use of force during the LA protests while accepting an award at the BET Awards on Monday (9 June).

The “Anxiety” rapper, 26, claimed her first BET Award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist during awards ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

“I grew up watching this,” she said of the BET Awards as she collected her gong. “I want to acknowledge all of the girls in my category that worked hard, extremely talented and very creative.

“You ladies are amazing. So, thank you, BET, for honouring me with this.”

She then used the moment to draw attention to the protests taking place in LA that have erupted since Friday (6 June) over immigrations raids conducted in Trump’s name.

@hollywoodreporter #doechii calls out #donaldtrump and ice while accepting her best female hip hop trophy at the #betawards #betawards2025 ♬ original sound – The Hollywood Reporter

“But as much as I’m honoured by this award,” Doechii went on to say. “I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building.

“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of ‘law and order’. Trump is using military forces to stop a protest.”

After protests began in response to the immigration raids by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) units, Trump called in the National Guard as well as the Marines.

In her speech Doechii then added. “I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.

“What type of government is that? People are being swept up and torn from their families, and I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. For black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza.”

The Grammy award winner then said, “We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear. I hope we stand together. My brothers and my sisters, against hate, and we protest against it. Thank you, BET!”

Doechii has been praised for speaking out. One fan posted on X/Twitter, “Much RESPECT TO DOECHII for standing up FOR THE PEOPLE! #BETAwards.”

Meanwhile, Trump has faced strong criticism for his use of military force in response to LA’s protests. California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has said he will “sue” Trump over the use of Marines, as reported by the BBC.