Following Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th president of the United States, multiple celebrities have expressed their reactions, ranging from heartfelt disappointment to celebratory support. These influential public figures have made it clear where they stand on this polarizing outcome.
Among Trump’s high-profile supporters who stood by his campaigns, podcaster Joe Rogan took to social media shortly after Trump’s victory declaration of his endorsement of Trump in the final hours, resonating with his fanbase, particularly those drawn to his support for free speech and skepticism of government authority.
Former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan also enthusiastically reached out to Trump, calling his victory “the greatest comeback in political history,” praising Trump’s resilience and toughness against what he described as relentless opposition.
In contrast, there was a wave of shock and sadness among those who supported Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, with late-night TV hosts, usually known for their biting political commentary, opening their shows with somber reflections. Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert both expressed despondency over the results, while comedian and actress Jamie Lee Curtis voiced her perceived concerns about the implications for minority rights, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women’s access to reproductive healthcare, calling on Americans to “wake up and fight” to protect rights, stating that it was essential to continue advocating for justice “one day at a time.”
Actress Ariana Grande, known for her activism, offered a message of solidarity to those feeling “the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome,” expressing empathy with fans who feared what Trump’s second term could mean for social justice issues, especially concerning young women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Pop star Billie Eilish called Trump’s victory “a war on women,” while Cardi B, another vocal critic, posted her frustration on Instagram with a simple caption: “I hate y’all bad.”
Meanwhile, acclaimed director Adam McKay, whose films often critique political and corporate systems, blamed the Democrats for failing to address key issues like public healthcare and Biden’s “cognitive health,” suggesting that the party’s inability to distance itself from contentious policies contributed to the loss.
Wendell Pierce, actor in The Wire, lamented the potential transformation of the Supreme Court, fearing that Trump’s judicial appointments could create a conservative stronghold that would last decades. Glee star Kevin McHale too expressed a bleak outlook, describing the Supreme Court as “gone for the rest of my lifetime.”
Reactions in the UK were similarly polarized, with author Philip Pullman bidding “goodbye” to America, reflecting a sentiment of disillusionment shared by other British figures. Susie Dent, the Countdown star, subtly critiqued Trump’s return, tweeting the word “recrudescence,” meaning the re-emergence of something unpleasant after a period of calm. Fellow broadcaster Carol Vorderman echoed the feeling, writing, “God help America.”
Back in the U.S., John Cusack, an outspoken critic of Trump, ominously tweeted, “Well, if you want to know what it really looks like – here it comes.”, adding a new layer of concern regarding the possibility of judicial appointments for those who view Trump’s win as a regression on social progress.
Still, not every reaction was somber, with social media personality Jake Paul praising Trump’s victory as “a massive step in the right direction,” viewing it as a chance for America to address global issues more decisively, receiving mixed reactions, as Paul’s youthful fanbase includes many who advocate for social change. Shazam! actor Zachary Levi also backed Trump, strengthening unverified claims about election integrity, which fueled post-election debates.
In a rare show of neutrality, Marvel actor Chris Pratt called for unity, posting an open letter encouraging Americans to find common ground, regardless of the result. However, Pratt’s message received backlash from some fans, criticizing it as overly banal in what they considered a crucial election. For them, Pratt’s call for unity felt insufficient in a moment of high-stakes issues and deep political division.
With Trump’s victory in the US Elections 2024, these reactions from celebrities highlight the complex and polarized atmosphere surrounding his return to office. From concerns over potential threats to democratic norms and individual rights to steadfast support for his strongman image, the celebrity world’s reaction is a representation of a divided America, with voices echoing across social and political spectrums.
