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Brandi Carlile Says Trump Voters ‘Got F—ing Scammed’: ‘Get Mad Enough to Change Your Minds’
| USA | culture | ✓ Verified - rollingstone.com

Brandi Carlile Says Trump Voters ‘Got F—ing Scammed’: ‘Get Mad Enough to Change Your Minds’

#Brandi Carlile #ICE #Immigration #Trump #Minneapolis #Protest #Benefit Concert

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Brandi Carlile headlined a benefit concert in Minneapolis to protest ICE's aggressive immigration enforcement.
  • She compared Donald Trump to a scamming vacuum salesman to explain why voters feel duped.
  • The event raised over $600,000 for the Advocates for Human Rights.
  • Carlile urged Trump voters to move past embarrassment and get angry enough to change their political stance.

📖 Full Retelling

Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile publicly denounced the current federal administration’s immigration strategies and urged disillusioned Trump supporters to reconsider their allegiance during a sold-out benefit concert at the Minneapolis Target Center on February 22, 2026. The event, part of her “Human” tour in support of her 2025 LP *Returning to Myself*, was organized in direct response to the aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that have recently plagued the city. Carlile shared the stage with the local activist group the Singing Resistance, performing “It’s Okay to Change Your Mind,” a song featuring the lyrics "It’s okay to change your mind / And you can join us / Join us here any time," which has become a local anthem for protesters. During her 24-song set, which was live-streamed globally, she emphasized that the government is prioritizing "violent theater and dominance" over legal immigration, citing harrowing reports of agents zip-tying detainees during hearings. The "Be Human" concert successfully raised more than $600,000 for the Advocates for Human Rights, with the performance available to stream to further support the cause. In a candid interview backstage, Carlile shared a personal anecdote comparing the former President to a dishonest vacuum salesman who tricked her during a period of financial vulnerability, leaving her with an unmanageable bill. She posited that many Americans are currently feeling duped by similar political tactics but must transition from shame to righteous anger to effect change. Carlile insisted that it is not too late for citizens to change their minds and join the resistance, arguing that a unified, loud, and unwavering collective can dismantle oppressive regimes and ensure immigrants feel welcome and valued.

🏷️ Themes

Politics, Music, Immigration, Activism

📚 Related People & Topics

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Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile

American singer-songwriter (born 1981)

Brandi Marie Carlile (born June 1, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Her music spans different genres, including folk rock, alternative country, Americana, and classic rock. During her career, she has received eleven Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, in addition to being nominate...

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Donald Trump

Donald Trump

President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)

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United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Minneapolis:

🏢 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement 3 shared
🌐 Killing of Alex Pretti 2 shared
🌐 Shooting 2 shared
🌐 Killing of Renée Good 2 shared
🌐 Presidency of Donald Trump 1 shared
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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

Brandi Carlile’s remarks highlight the disconnect between some Trump voters and the current administration’s immigration policies. Her call for voters to reconsider their positions underscores the broader debate over ICE’s enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. The performance also demonstrates how artists can influence public opinion on policy issues.

Context & Background

  • Artist Brandi Carlile performed at Minneapolis Target Center
  • ICE has been operating in Minneapolis amid protests
  • Carlile’s 2025 album 'Returning to myself' supports human rights causes
  • The concert raised over $600,000 for Advocates for Human Rights
  • Carlile urges Trump voters to change their minds about immigration

What Happens Next

Carlile plans to continue speaking out at future concerts and through media interviews. The Minneapolis protest movement may use her platform to amplify calls for ICE reform. The administration’s policies will likely face increased scrutiny as public pressure mounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main message Brandi Carlile shared about Trump voters?

She said they were scammed by the administration and can change their minds.

How much money did the Minneapolis concert raise for advocacy?

Over $600,000 was raised for Advocates for Human Rights.

What is the name of the artist’s 2025 album?

Returning to myself.

What does Carlile encourage people to do in response to ICE’s actions?

She encourages people to become angry and change their minds about the current policies.

Original Source
Brandi Carlile Says Trump Voters ‘Got F—ing Scammed’: ‘Get Mad Enough to Change Your Minds’ Minutes after coming offstage in Minneapolis, the songwriter talks to Rolling Stone about ICE's violent immigration approach why she's still hopeful for the U.S. By Dan Hyman Dan Hyman View all posts by Dan Hyman February 22, 2026 Nearly two-and-a-half hours into a monumental gig on her “Human” arena tour in support of her 2025 LP, Returning to Myself , Brandi Carlile stood before a roaring, sold-out Minneapolis Target Center crowd. Behind her, a group of local freedom fighters known as the Singing Resistance stood with her in both musical and spiritual solidarity. Together they sang a powerful and poignant song, the title of which has become a rallying cry among Minneapolis protestors over the past month in response to ICE’s cruel occupation of the city : “It’s Okay to Change Your Mind.” “ It’’s okay to change your mind / And you can join us / Join us here any time” The Minneapolis show was always on Carlile’s tour calendar, but after witnessing the injustice plaguing the residents of the city at the hands of a federal government supposedly charged with protecting them, Carlile felt it would be impossible to perform in the city without contributing in some fashion. “It pained me not to be with you guys [in recent weeks],” Carile said early in her 24-song, career-spanning performance dubbed “Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis.” (The show was live-broadcast globally and proceeds benefited the Advocates for Human Rights . At the time of publication, the show had raised more than $600,000. The performance remains available to stream through tomorrow). “You have been through so much,” she told the impassioned crowd. “And you’ve been on my mind every second of every day. This is home to me.” “It’s very clear that this administration is not interested in legal immigration,” Carlile tells Rolling Stone backstage, just a few minutes after finishing the concert, her red bandanna stil...
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Source

rollingstone.com

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