Donald Trump’s inaugural committee is having no problems finding celebrities to attend his inauguration because that’s not who the committee is looking for, Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn said Tuesday.
“Not at all,” Epshteyn, the inaugural committee communications director, told CNN. “You know, this is not Woodstock. It’s not Summer Jam. It’s not a concert. It’s not about celebrities. As Donald Trump tweeted himself, it’s about the people. That’s what we’re concentrated on.”
Indeed, the president-elect tweeted last week that “so-called ‘A’ list celebrities are all wanting tixs to the inauguration” but stressed that he wants the everyday Americans who supported his campaign to attend.
“[L]ook what they did for Hillary, NOTHING,” he tweeted about such stars.
In the final days of the presidential campaign, Trump blasted Clinton for using such luminaries as Jay Z, Beyoncé, Jon Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga to attract larger crowds at her campaign stops. He boasted that he didn’t need such attractions because his supporters showed up at his massive rallies to “make America great again.”
His tweet followed reports that Trump was struggling to secure talent to perform at his inauguration. So far, the only confirmed acts include the Radio City Rockettes, “America’s Got Talent” runner-up Jackie Evancho and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
“The Rockettes represent the American people. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir represents the American people,” Epshteyn said, adding that other yet-to-be-named performers will also represent everyday Americans. “And that’s what we’re concentrating on.”
He said the inaugural committee will “absolutely be rolling more out, no question about it.”
For his part, Trump’s focus — at least publicly — has been on drawing large crowds rather than any stars.
“Well, we all did it, together!” he tweeted Dec. 16. “I hope the ‘MOVEMENT’ fans will go to D.C. on Jan 20th for the swearing in. Let's set the all time record!"