The Chicks Hold Up "F–k Trump" Fans at Los Angeles Show

The Chicks held up large red folding hand fans reading "F–k Trump" during their show at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, Nov. 3. The band used the performance to celebrate what it called Democrats' historic "Blunami" victory in the midterm elections, according to Billboard.

The message was not hidden in the crowd. Billboard reported that the band's fans were visible from the stage, and that the phrase was aimed directly at the President. The fans were red, folded and printed with the two words, which the band did not explain beyond the performance itself.

Lead singer Natalie Maines greeted the audience with a line that set the tone for the night: "Welcome to our blunami night." The word is the band's own play on "tsunami," and it refers to the Democratic wave the group was cheering.

The band later shared a picture of the fans on its Instagram Story. Stories are photos and short videos that disappear after 24 hours unless they are saved or shared again. The post put the image in front of followers beyond the people who attended the Los Angeles show.

The Chicks are Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. The group began as the Dixie Chicks and dropped the word "Dixie" from its name in 2020. It has remained one of the country music world's most recognisable acts for more than two decades, and its political statements have drawn attention before.

US midterm elections take place halfway through a president's four-year term. Voters choose every seat in the House of Representatives, about a third of the Senate and many state governors. Because the President's party often loses seats in these contests, the results are closely watched across the political and entertainment worlds alike.

The Dolby Theatre show was a rare moment of open politics for a band performing a concert.