TLC's Chilli Denies Supporting Trump Agenda: 'I Am Not MAGA'

The singer says she made donations without realizing they were to Trump-affiliated groups and that she has 'the utmost respect' for Michelle Obama.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:53pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering sequins in high-contrast studio lighting, capturing the luxurious textures and glamour of the entertainment industry.The glitz and glam of the music industry is often accompanied by complex political affiliations that can put artists at odds with their fanbase.Franklin Today

TLC singer Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas has spoken out to deny that she supports former President Donald Trump's agenda, saying she made donations to groups she thought were for causes like human trafficking and veterans, not realizing they were Trump-affiliated. She also addressed a since-deleted post where she allegedly reshared a conspiracy theory about Michelle Obama, saying she has 'the utmost respect and admiration' for the former First Lady.

Why it matters

Chilli's comments come after reports surfaced that she had made multiple donations to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, which sparked backlash from fans. As a member of the popular 90s R&B group TLC, Chilli's political views and affiliations are closely watched by her fanbase.

The details

Federal Election Commission records appear to show that a Rozonda Thomas of Georgia made 17 donations to various Republican organizations in 2024, including the Trump National Committee JFC, INC. and Never Surrender, Inc. Chilli addressed the controversy in an Instagram post, saying she 'made a mistake too many make' by not reading the fine print and thinking she was supporting causes she cares about, like fighting human trafficking and supporting veterans. She also posted a video addressing reports that she had reshared a right-wing conspiracy theory about Michelle Obama, saying she has 'the utmost respect and admiration' for the former First Lady and that the repost was accidental due to her not being 'very computer savvy.'

  • Chilli addressed the controversy in an Instagram post on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The reports of Chilli's donations surfaced just days before TLC announced they would be joining Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue for the 'It's Iconic' tour, which is slated to kick off on August 15, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee.

The players

Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas

A member of the popular 90s R&B group TLC, known for hits like 'No Scrubs' and 'Waterfalls.'

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who ran for a second term in 2024.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, who Chilli says she has the 'utmost respect and admiration' for.

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What they’re saying

“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people.”

— Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas, Singer

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for Michelle Obama, and I would never say or do anything that is disrespectful to her or to any woman. I would never do that.”

— Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas, Singer

What’s next

Chilli's comments and the controversy around her political donations are likely to continue generating discussion and scrutiny from her fanbase and the media in the lead-up to TLC's 'It's Iconic' tour with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges and scrutiny that public figures face when it comes to their political affiliations and donations, especially when they are at odds with the views of their fanbase. Chilli's swift response and clarification of her true political leanings may help mitigate the damage, but the controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence when making political contributions.