Forty years ago, Lee Greenwood released the iconic patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.” which has gained immense popularity at political gatherings over the years. The song has helped Greenwood build relationships with several presidents, notably Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and he has developed a close friendship with Donald Trump, frequently performing at his events.
Greenwood has been a consistent fixture at Trump's rallies, including significant events like the Republican National Convention and a notable rally at Madison Square Garden marked by controversial jokes. Most recently, he has been involved in promoting the “God Bless the USA Bible,” a project that Trump and Greenwood collaborated on. This King James Version Bible, printed in China, incorporates fundamental American documents such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, along with the handwritten chorus of Greenwood's famous song.
Greenwood is scheduled to perform at Trump's Make America Great Again Rally at Capital One Arena in Washington and will participate in the swearing-in ceremony that follows. He expressed excitement about the pageantry involved, emphasizing his feelings of pride in performing for President Trump, whom he considers a personal friend.
In an interview, Greenwood discussed the significance of his involvement in Trump’s inauguration ceremonies. He reminisced about performing for Trump at the Lincoln Memorial in 2017, a location he also performed at for George H. W. Bush. Greenwood shared an exchange where Trump remarked about serving an extended term, highlighting a personal connection formed through their interactions over time.
The nature of Greenwood’s performances for Trump changed dramatically following an assassination attempt against Trump, which altered the atmosphere during events. Greenwood remarked about the lyrics of his song, emphasizing the idea that Americans stand together to defend freedom, and noted the poignant irony of the song reflecting both Trump's journey and the nation’s struggle for unity and resilience.
Greenwood explained that he initially had no formal communication regarding Trump’s use of his song; rather, he learned about it through overwhelming messages and requests from fans. Eventually, he embraced the opportunity to perform live for Trump, aligning his beliefs with Trump’s vision for America.
Greenwood also shared details about how he met Trump through his wife, Kim, a former Miss Tennessee USA, who worked closely with Trump in his various pageant ventures. This connection paved the way for their friendship, which developed as Greenwood became involved in singing at Trump's campaign events.
Regarding the “God Bless the USA Bible,” Greenwood revealed that the idea stemmed from discussions with his wife and management team, sparked by his experience singing at swearing-in ceremonies for new citizens. They believed it essential for immigrants to understand the foundational documents of America, wanting to integrate them into the Bible as a unique educational resource. He also consulted with his pastor, who supported the initiative as a means to promote faith and national pride.
Greenwood clarified that while he has a licensing agreement with the manufacturer of the Bible, Trump has a separate deal with the same manufacturer, indicating a collaborative yet distinct business arrangement between them.
