Introduction
Country music star Toby Keith took part in the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 2017, the day before President Donald Trump’s first inauguration. The event, held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, was one of several concerts and gatherings leading up to the official swearing‑in ceremonies.
Keith’s set featured some of his most patriotic and well‑known songs, including favorites like “American Soldier,” “Made in America,” “Beer for My Horses,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” These selections highlight the singer’s long‑standing tradition of performing music tied to his love of country and support for the U.S. military.
At the start of his performance, Keith acknowledged both outgoing President Barack Obama and president‑elect Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to sing for his country and those gathered for the celebration.
Keith’s decision to perform drew mixed reactions at the time, as speakers and entertainers at presidential inauguration events often receive public attention for both their music and the political context of the occasion.
For many fans, the appearance was a reflection of Toby Keith’s decades‑long career of performing patriotic music and entertaining American troops overseas through USO shows and other events — an element of his legacy as a country artist devoted to themes of national pride and service.