Renowned Italian operatic pop star Andrea Bocelli gave a private performance for President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday. The visit took place before Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Footage shared by Trump’s special assistant, Margo Martin, showed the president smiling at the Resolute Desk while Bocelli performed a song. The brief, seemingly impromptu performance appeared to be a personal gesture from the 67-year-old singer.
Trump joked about the performance, saying, “He’s coming December 5th to perform at the White House for some of the people. If the cabinet members are good… we’ll let them come along.”
Bocelli’s Support For Ukraine
Andrea Bocelli is known for supporting Ukraine. He has participated in fundraising efforts for war refugees and even adopted a dog named Jack, who was injured during the conflict.
His charity, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, helps provide food, housing, medicine, and psychological support concerts for displaced families.
Trump has been a longtime fan of Bocelli’s music. He has played the singer’s hit “Time to Say Goodbye” at rallies, including an event in Pennsylvania in October 2024.
In 2011, Trump attended an Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park with his family. Bocelli was also rumored to perform at Trump’s 2016 inauguration but reportedly withdrew due to an online “Boycott Bocelli” campaign, as per New York Post.
In addition to the performance, footage shows Trump and Bocelli chatting at the desk and listening to a recording of one of Bocelli’s songs.