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Lizzo Slams Trump With Printed Tees During ‘SNL’ Show: Tariffied

Posted on by Bao Gia
Lizzo Snl Tariffied
13
Apr

When Lizzo hit the Saturday Night Live stage on April 12, 2025, she didn’t just bring her powerhouse vocals—she brought a wardrobe that roared louder than her medley of “Love in Real Life” and “Still Bad.” Peeling off a studded leather jacket, Lizzo revealed a series of printed T-shirts that took direct aim at Donald Trump’s tariff policies and political legacy. From “Tariffied” to “Black Women Were Right” to “America is Tariffied,” each shirt was a calculated jab, blending humor, defiance, and social commentary. This was Lizzo’s first SNL appearance since a 2023 lawsuit controversy, and she made it clear she’s back—not just to perform, but to provoke. Her tees sparked a frenzy online, with fans hailing her as a cultural lightning rod while critics debated the role of celebrity activism. Let’s unpack how Lizzo’s fashion choices turned a musical moment into a political firestorm.

“Tariffied”: A Witty Economic Wake-Up Call

Lizzo Tariffied Shirt (1)
Lizzo Tariffied Shirt

Mid-performance, Lizzo shed her guitar and jacket to reveal a cropped, sleeveless black t-shirt with “TARIFFIED” splashed in bold red letters. The word—a sly mashup of “tariff” and “terrified”—was a direct shot at Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, which he’s championed as a boost for American industry. Economists warn these taxes on imports could spike prices for goods like clothing and electronics, squeezing consumers already grappling with inflation. Lizzo’s shirt distilled that fear into a single, catchy phrase, transforming a complex issue into a viral soundbite. X lit up with reactions, from fans crowning her “the queen of shade” to policy wonks praising her for spotlighting trade debates. By wearing “Tariffied,” Lizzo didn’t just mock Trump—she invited millions to question the real cost of his economic playbook.

The brilliance of “Tariffied” lies in its accessibility. Lizzo could’ve gone for a wonky slogan, but she chose wordplay that lands with both the politically savvy and the casual viewer. One X post summed it up: “Lizzo just made tariffs a vibe and a warning.” Her performance wasn’t just a flex of vocal chops; it was a masterclass in using fashion as protest, proving that a T-shirt can hit harder than a stump speech.

“Black Women Were Right”: A Nod to Resistance

Lizzo Black Woman Were Right Shirt (1)
Lizzo Black Woman Were Right Shirt

As the SNL curtain call rolled around, Lizzo reappeared alongside host Jon Hamm, sporting a new T-shirt that read “BLACK WOMEN WERE RIGHT.” This wasn’t a random flex—it was a pointed reference to Black women voters, a demographic that has consistently opposed Trump in elections, with exit polls showing over 90% voting against him in 2020 and 2024. Lizzo, a vocal advocate for Black women’s empowerment, used the shirt to amplify their foresight and resilience in rejecting Trump’s rhetoric. It was a moment of solidarity that tied her tariff critique to a broader narrative of political defiance.

The shirt also doubled as a reclaiming of narrative. Black women have often been sidelined in political discourse, yet Lizzo’s tee declared their clarity as a guiding force. Fans on X erupted, with one user writing, “Lizzo’s out here saying what we’ve all been thinking—Black women BEEN knew.” Critics, however, called it divisive, accusing her of alienating viewers. Regardless, the message landed with precision, reminding everyone that Lizzo’s activism doesn’t shy away from naming who’s been right all along. It was less a jab at Trump than a crown placed on a community’s legacy.

“America is Tariffied”: Amplifying the Stakes

Lizzo America Is Tariffied Shirt
Lizzo America Is Tariffied Shirt

Lizzo saved her final sartorial strike for maximum impact: a shirt proclaiming “AMERICA IS TARIFFIED.” Spotted later in the show, this tee escalated her critique, framing Trump’s tariffs as a national concern, not just a personal gripe. The phrase suggested a collective anxiety—businesses bracing for supply chain chaos, families dreading higher grocery bills, and workers caught in the crossfire of trade wars. By broadening the lens, Lizzo connected her performance to everyday struggles, making her point impossible to dismiss as mere celebrity posturing.

What made this shirt resonate was its timing. Trump’s recent tariff expansions on countries like China and Canada have fueled headlines about economic fallout, with some estimates projecting a $4,000 annual hit to middle-class households. Lizzo’s “America is Tariffied” captured that dread in a way that felt urgent yet relatable. X users churned out memes, with one viral post joking, “Lizzo’s T-shirt budget just solved the trade deficit.” But beyond the laughs, the shirt cemented her SNL appearance as a cultural moment—one that merged style, satire, and substance to challenge Trump’s policies head-on. Whether you cheered or jeered, Lizzo ensured you’d be talking about tariffs long after the credits rolled.

Bao Gia