Doechii Uses BET Win to Condemn Trump’s Military Response to Protesters

Image via BET Networks

During a politically charged moment at the 2025 BET Awards, rapper Doechii used her acceptance speech for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist to speak out against President Trump’s deployment of military forces in Los Angeles.

“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said at the Peacock Theater in downtown LA, referencing the president’s use of the National Guard in response to ongoing protests.

The demonstrations were sparked by workplace raids targeting undocumented immigrants in the city’s garment district, a move that has drawn widespread criticism. While largely peaceful, some protests turned confrontational over the weekend, resulting in over 150 arrests and the use of crowd-control tactics by authorities. In response, Trump doubled the National Guard presence to 4,000 troops and dispatched 700 Marines to the city, drawing condemnation from California officials.

Doechii, who triumphed over nominees like Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and others, acknowledged the significance of the moment. She used her platform to denounce the administration’s immigration policies and what she described as a militarized response to lawful protest.

“Trump is using military forces to stop a protest,” she said, questioning the government’s decision to meet demonstrators with force. “People are being swept up and torn from their families.”

Her speech resonated deeply with the audience. “I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people,” she added, naming Black communities, Latino immigrants, trans individuals, and people in Gaza as groups deserving protection and peace. “We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear.”

The moment stood out in a week of award shows where political commentary was largely absent, highlighting Doechii’s willingness to challenge power in front of a national audience.