By Karim Hammam
U2 frontman Bono has said he does not believe he could make a difference working with Donald Trump's administration, despite having spent decades campaigning on global poverty and HIV/AIDS and building relationships across the political aisle.
White House invitation
In a new interview with The Guardian, the 66-year-old singer revealed he had been invited to the White House during Trump's presidency but felt unequipped to negotiate with the administration. "There's a permission you need to feel to do a certain task and if you feel it spiritually... [With the Trump administration], I have been invited, but I know I'm not up to that, I don't have the ability to negotiate [with them], it's too much," he said.
Funding cuts and reaction
Last year, the Trump administration disrupted funding for the AIDS programme Bono helped initiate. Bandmate Larry Mullen Jr. described the rocker as being left in a state of "complete shock and dismay" by the decision. "When money was taken away from AIDS, from people in Africa... these things take enormous amounts of time and energy and you can't do everything," Mullen said.
Political climate
Bono characterised the current U.S. political climate as completely different from any previous right-wing administration. "It's a new world... There's a brand new dance and we do know its name. It's a little... fascistic. And it needs a different response," he said.
Kimmel appearance
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last year, Bono was asked whose side he was on: Trump or Bruce Springsteen. After a pause, he replied: "I think there's only one boss in America."
