Arts & Entertainment
Ellen DeGeneres laughs off Eric Trump’s ‘Deep State’ conspiracy theory
the daytime talk show host called the claim ‘ridiculous’


(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Ellen DeGeneres addressed Eric Trump’s conspiracy theory that she is somehow involved in the “Deep State” during her opening monologue on “Ellen” on Thursday.
The second eldest Trump son had tweeted a screenshot of Twitter’s follow suggestions which included Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and DeGeneres. He captioned the photo, “Shocking… once again, here are the @Twitter “suggestions” of who I should follow. #DeepState.”
DeGeneres began the segment by saying she noticed her name was trending on Twitter but it wasn’t because of the debut of her primetime game show “Ellen’s Game of Games.”
“So, I have some questions. First of all, which one is Eric? Did he kill the elephant or the cheetah?” DeGeneres jokes.
The daytime talk show host continued on to call the claim “ridiculous” and said that “no one has undermined Donald Trump more than Donald Trump.”
“I just wanna say, Eric, I am honored that you think that I’m powerful enough to be part of a government conspiracy,” she says. “I am sorry to disappoint you, I am not part of the Deep State. Even if somebody wanted me to be involved, I don’t have that kind of time. I’ve got my gay agenda meetings on Mondays. I’ve got on Wednesday Beyoncé and I host an illuminati brunch. And then Portia and I on the weekends are desperately trying to have a baby so I can’t. I don’t have time.”
DeGeneres went on to say that a possible reason she appeared as a Twitter suggestion is due to the social networking site’s algorithm which calculates that his siblings follow her.
“But there’s probably another explanation for why Twitter suggested that you follow me,” DeGeneres says. “I mean, it could be a conspiracy or it could be because your sister Ivanka follows me on Twitter, and your sister Tiffany follows me on Twitter and maybe you should follow me. I mean, because I post a lot of cute videos.”
Watch below.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)











a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.




