Bono Says Trump’s Political Approach Needs a Different Response

Bono has sharply criticized the political climate under President Donald Trump, saying he sees signs of an approach he considers fascistic and does not believe he is equipped to sway the administration’s advisers. The U2 frontman made the comments in a UK interview, according to the report. The singer said he had been invited to engage with Trump’s team but felt he lacked the negotiating skills and a clear strategy that could persuade them to change course. “It’s too much,” Bono said, adding that he did not have an original proposal he could take to the administration and might need to leave that work to someone else. His stance contrasts with his earlier efforts to build relationships across party lines. Bono previously worked with former President George W. Bush and Republican Senator Jesse Helms on international debt relief and funding to combat HIV/AIDS. Those collaborations helped make him one of the music industry’s most visible advocates on global humanitarian issues. Bono also expressed frustration over reported funding disruptions affecting programs for vulnerable communities, including an HIV/AIDS initiative he helped establish. His U2 bandmate Larry Mullen Jr. described the singer as being in a state of shock and dismay when money for AIDS programs in Africa was withdrawn, according to the article. Bono’s comments suggest he is less confident about using personal access to influence current policy than he was during earlier campaigns. The interview did not describe any meeting with Trump or a specific plan for future action; instead, the singer acknowledged feeling uncertain about what approach could make a difference.