© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Perfect Inauguration Music: The Star Wars Theme

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep. Yes, Russia interfered in the U.S. election. But America has soft power - cultural power, which struck back. Let's say the American empire strikes back because the Russian city of Belgorod elected a mayor. And the city cultural director wanted stirring music for the inauguration, so she chose the "Star Wars" theme, saying later she didn't realize it was American. Having allowed this foreign influence, she resigned. Did the force make her play it? Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.