Lee Greenwood’s patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” which was released four decades ago, has become a staple at political events. Over the years, Greenwood has shared the stage with numerous presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and has established a close relationship with Donald Trump, often appearing at his rallies and events. His recent performances include the Republican National Convention, a controversial rally at Madison Square Garden, and a return to Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump made headlines after surviving an assassination attempt.
In a notable collaboration, Trump and Greenwood launched the “God Bless the USA Bible,” a King James Version that also includes important American documents such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, along with a handwritten version of Greenwood’s well-known song. Greenwood is scheduled to perform at Trump’s Make America Great Again Rally and will also be part of the swearing-in ceremony for Trump.
Expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming events, Greenwood said, “The pageantry is wonderful. I’m excited about all of that.” He looks forward to singing for his friend, Donald J. Trump, once again during this significant moment.
In a recent interview, Greenwood reflected on his past performances for Trump, including one during the president’s inauguration in 2017, which he found important to commemorate again. He recalled performing at the Lincoln Memorial for both Bush and Trump and remembered how Trump thanked him, confidently asserting his intentions for two terms by saying, “It’s the next eight years.”
Greenwood noted a noticeable shift in atmosphere following the assassination attempt on Trump, stating that the essence of his song, which emphasizes unity and support for the country, took on new meaning as he found himself standing next to someone who leads the nation. The song, which resonated widely after the 9/11 attacks, has become synonymous with Trump’s rallies.
When it comes to the use of his song at Trump’s events, Greenwood explained that there wasn’t an initial conversation about its utilization; he only learned about it through a flurry of messages. Eventually, he was formally invited to perform live for Trump, which he accepted having faith in Trump’s leadership.
Greenwood shared insight into how he first crossed paths with Trump through his wife, Kim, who worked with Trump organizing the Miss Tennessee USA pageant. This connection resulted in multiple opportunities for Greenwood to support Trump’s campaigns while forming a personal friendship.
The idea behind the “God Bless the USA Bible” came from discussions between Greenwood, his wife, and their management team. They considered the significance of introducing new citizens to foundational American principles and documents. He sought guidance from his pastor, who supported the initiative, emphasizing its potential to inspire and bring people to Christ while honoring their country.
Finally, when asked about the business arrangement with Trump regarding the Bibles, Greenwood clarified that he holds a licensing agreement solely with the manufacturer of the Bibles. Trump, on the other hand, has a separate deal with the same manufacturer, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this unique venture that intertwines faith and patriotism.
