Ana Navarro Calls Snoop Dogg a “Trained Seal” for Trump Performance

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Ana Navarro attends a discussion of the View’s “Behind the Table” podcast at 92NY on October 08, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

Ana Navarro, co-host of The View, sparked controversy on Tuesday when she compared rapper Snoop Dogg to a “trained seal” during a discussion about his recent performance at a pro-Donald Trump event. Her remarks came during a lively segment addressing the participation of Black artists, including Snoop, Nelly, and Victor Willis of the Village People, in Trump’s inaugural celebrations.

Ana Navarro Has Criticism for Snoop Dogg’s Shift

Navarro, a Republican and vocal critic of Trump, expressed disappointment in Snoop Dogg for what she perceived as a change in values. “If you opposed and stood up against Trump in 2017 but now you’re applauding him like a trained seal—Donald Trump has not changed, you’ve changed,” Navarro stated, referencing the rapper’s appearance at the Crypto Ball, a pre-inaugural ceremony.

She highlighted Snoop’s past actions, particularly his 2017 “Lavender” music video, which featured a Trump lookalike and drew sharp criticism from conservative circles at the time. Navarro contrasted this with Snoop’s more recent praise of Trump, including his acknowledgment in a 2024 interview with The Times. “He pardoned Michael Harris,” Snoop said then, referring to the Death Row Records founder. “I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”

Mixed Reactions from Co-Hosts and Artists

Not all The View panelists agreed with what Navarro had to say. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump aide, defended artists who choose to perform at presidential events. “I don’t come for the artists,” she said, adding, “If Barack Obama can show up for him, why shouldn’t Snoop Dogg?”

This sentiment echoed comments by rapper Nelly, who also performed at Trump’s inaugural ball. Addressing criticism during a YouTube discussion, Nelly stated, “I’m not political… I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you.”

The remarks made by Navarro drew swift backlash, including from former The View co-host Meghan McCain, who reposted criticism of Navarro’s comments on social media.