The Democratic National Convention included humor, featuring numerous puns and pointed remarks aimed at Donald Trump. Steve Kerr referenced Steph Curry’s well-known "Night Night" gesture to signal the end of Trump’s campaign. However, a less expected insult came from Shawn Fain, the President of the United Automobile Workers. Fain took the stage, removed his jacket, and quoted the hit song "Hot In Herre" by Nelly. He described the rapper as an "American poet." Fain has long supported Kamala Harris, so his criticism of Trump was not surprising. What stood out was Fain's humorous delivery; he unveiled a graphic t-shirt that read, "Trump is a scab." He used the Nelly reference as an excuse to take off his jacket, saying, “In the words of the great American poet Nelly, It's getting hot in here." This moment received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Nelly has previously shared his views on Trump. He mentioned the President in his 2000 song "Rid Wit Me" and expressed that while he didn't mind Trump as a celebrity, he took issue with his political actions. "He doesn’t surprise me as a person," Nelly said. "He surprises me as a president because you don’t expect certain things, certain attitudes." He also joked about being unable to stay at Trump Tower due to Trump’s politics. "I’m more or less mad at him because I can’t stay at his hotels now," Nelly quipped, noting his long history of staying there.
Recently, Nelly faced some issues himself. He was arrested on August 8 for an outstanding traffic warrant and briefly faced charges for possessing four ecstasy pills, but he was later released. Shortly after, he made a strong comeback by performing at an MGK concert, where he sang "Air Force Ones" and received praise for his cultural influence. It was a warm welcome back following his legal troubles.