Politics

Kevin Powell, an acclaimed writer and activist, is putting Snoop Dogg on blast for performing for Donald Trump ahead of the inauguration ... accusing the rap legend of selling out.

We caught up with Kevin on "TMZ Live" Monday, where he shared his candid opinion about Snoop's decision to perform at Trump's pre-inauguration ball over the weekend ... slamming SD and saying the performance is proof of the A-lister's "lack of values."

Kevin notes Snoop wasn't always this way, pointing out the rap mogul has a long history of being there for his community. Yet, KP says Snoop's decision to perform for Trump spoke volumes ... alleging the "Drop It Like It's Hot" rapper has abandoned his audience "for a bag of money."

Kid Rock is taking advantage of all the attention he's getting during President Donald Trump's resurgence to the highest office in the land ... even hitting on a TV interviewer, sight unseen.

KR -- real name Robert Ritchie -- performed at a pre-inauguration rally at Capital One Arena Sunday, and was interviewed Monday morning by BBC News reporter Caitríona Perry ... and he quickly flustered her with an awkward offer.

Appearing on camera in a black stocking cap and large black sunglasses, he apparently could only hear the reporter's questions.

The owners of Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Racoon are fighting to get the animals' bodies back after both were controversially seized and put down following a home raid months ago.

Mark Longo shared the petition via IG ... demanding the return of Peanut and Fred’s bodies from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, to give them a proper send-off.

Longo said he and his wife, Daniela, aren’t even sure if the bodies are still there -- but they should be, since their lawyer sent a preservation notice to make sure they weren’t destroyed.

Lauren Boebert was living her best rock star moment 'cause she was caught totally fangirling over Kid Rock at the inaugural ball in D.C.

Sources close to the situation say Lauren and her mom are big KR fans  -- and you can totally tell from this video Sunday that the excitement was real.

Lauren was totally transfixed by the rock star, yapping away, doing a little dance, and clapping like she was front row at his concert -- basically giving Kid Rock all the hype he needed.

Carrie Underwood is proving to be a consummate performer ... following an awkward moment during her Inauguration Day performance.

Check it out ... the "American Idol" alum is introduced as the singer for a performance of "America the Beautiful" following Donald Trump's swearing-in at the Capitol Rotunda Monday morning.

While the country star appears ready to wow the audience in Washington, D.C., the Inauguration's tech team isn't quite prepared ... as the backing track for her patriotic tune cuts out before CU is able to belt out one single word.

Mark Zuckerberg had the best view of anyone at Donald Trump's inauguration ... because he was sitting next to Lauren Sanchez -- and staring down at her chest!!!

The Meta owner got caught on camera eyeballing Sanchez's assets while attending Monday's swearing-in of DT as the 47th President in the Capitol Rotunda, along with the world's biggest power-brokers.

Zuck was also seated near Sanchez's fiancé, Amazon owner Jeff Bezos, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump is formally declaring the United States government will only recognize two genders ... and he's set to target federal protections for transgender people.

In Trump's inaugural address delivered from the Capitol Rotunda Monday, he announced ... "As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders -- male and female."

Trump is expected to issue an executive order aimed at limiting medical care and participation in sports competitions for transgender individuals. An incoming official said only two sexes will be recognized on passports and visas, according to The Associated Press.

Donald Trump's plans for his 2nd term are out of this world ... with the returning commander-in-chief announcing a new Mars mission during his inaugural address.

Check it out ... while addressing the nation inside the U.S. Capitol Building Monday, Trump declares his goal to plant a U.S. flag on the 4th planet from the Sun ... in order to be seen as "a growing nation" again.

He adds ... "We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars."

Donald Trump is Commander in Chief again … and is already coming out swinging in his Inauguration Day speech.

Trump, who previously served as the 45th President of the United States, was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Building Monday for his second term, where he was greeted with a standing ovation, "U.S.A." chants, and an air kiss from his wife, Melania Trump.

After the traditional ceremonial moments -- including guest speakers, prayers, oaths, and musical performances -- Trump took the podium and spoke to the nation about his plans for his 2nd administration … which he promised would bring about a "thrilling new era of national success."

Joe Biden got a frosty farewell in the final minutes of his presidency ... with boos ringing out from a crowd of Trump's MAGA supporters huddled nearby during the inauguration.

In this video obtained by TMZ, the crowd -- relegated to the Capitol One Arena -- made it clear they didn't need an invite to the main event to make their opinions on Biden known.

Check it out -- the moment Biden’s name hits the speakers, the whole arena goes off with boos, making it loud and clear they wanted him gone.

Outgoing President Joe Biden had one final act up his sleeve Monday morning, issuing a final round of pardons ... for more family members.

Just minutes before President-elect Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, the White House issued a statement declaring the pardons of Biden's two brothers, his sister and other family members -- to protect them from politically motivated prosecutions after he leaves office, the statement said.

JB caught quite a bit of flak for pardoning his son Hunter Biden a few weeks ago, on gun possession and tax charges, stating a similar motivation -- that his son was being unfairly targeted due to his father's political status.

Mike Pence's relationship with Donald Trump seems to be thawing ... the former vice president showed up today at DT's inauguration in D.C.

Pence -- minus his wife Karen --- was photographed walking through the hallway of the Capitol Rotunda to watch Trump put his hand on the Bible and become the 47th President of the United States.

As you know, the ceremony was moved indoors due to the frigid East Coast temperatures.

Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office and become the 47th President of the United States.

Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, rode with President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden from the White House to the U.S. Capitol Building Monday morning ... where both DJT and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will be sworn into office in the Capitol Rotunda.

Trump and Biden met on the White House steps earlier, shortly after Trump attended a church service at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., accompanied by family members.

12:01 PM PT -- Kim Kardashian shared an IG Story of Melania’s inauguration outfit with no caption ... but given the SKIMS founder’s penchant for bold fashion choices, it’s safe to say she was all in on the Hamburglar vibes!

Melania Trump's Inauguration Day look is facing quite a bit of criticism online ... mainly thanks to the outfit's similarities to one fast food mascot.

Check it out ... the former First Lady, who is set to become FLOTUS again Monday afternoon, stepped out for husband Donald Trump's Inauguration in Washington D.C. in a navy trench coat, gloves, white top, and a navy-blue wide-brim hat with a white stripe ... an ensemble which looked an awfully lot like the Hamburglar's getup, according to the Internet.

Yes, online trolls are already roasting Melania for seemingly channeling the McDonald's character for her hubby's big day ... with many crediting Mrs. Trump's hat for really bringing the look home.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is sticking to his signature style -- and nothing, not even freezing weather or Donald Trump’s inauguration can make him budge!

Fetterman strolled through D.C. Monday in shorts and a hoodie, looking more like he was heading to a barbecue than bracing for politics' biggest day of the year.

It’s unclear if Fetterman plans to switch up his look later or if he’s just built differently -- but to give you an idea of how cold it was, they had to move the entire inauguration indoors to the Capitol Rotunda to escape the chill.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump Monday morning ... and looked preoccupied by the ornate interior of the room.

Musk seemed fascinated by the museum-quality décor of the Capitol Rotunda, with its giant paintings and elaborately designed architecture, including on the ceilings. He shook hands with a few people, then cast his gaze around the room with wide-eyed curiosity, taking it all in.

The event was held inside the Rotunda, which holds about 600 people, after frigid temperatures forced the event normally held outdoors, inside.