Hollywood was left reeling as Donald Trump secured his re-election, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Many A-list celebrities had thrown their support behind Harris, appearing at rallies and endorsing her candidacy, only to watch in disbelief as the results rolled in.
Stars Express Frustration and Anger
Leading the charge was rapper Cardi B, who had campaigned alongside Harris in Milwaukee. In an emotional Instagram video, the “WAP” artist shared her disappointment, saying “I hate y’all bad” and telling supporters to “burn your fucking hats.” When asked if she would perform at Trump’s inauguration, Cardi B responded, “I’m sick of you!”
Actor John Cusack, known for his outspoken political views, did not mince words. “The fact that the country would choose to destroy itself by voting in a convicted felon rapist and Nazi is a sign of deep nihilism,” he tweeted. “To put it mildly.”
Worry for Women’s Rights
Dead to Me star Christina Applegate expressed her anguish over the potential impact on women’s rights. “My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away,” she shared. “Why? And if you disagree, please unfollow me.”
“Elections have consequences. The Supreme Court will be changed for a generation. I’ll never see a moderate court again in my lifetime.”
Wendell Pierce, actor from The Wire, on Twitter
Calls for Democratic Party Reform
Some, like director Adam McKay, turned their frustration toward the Democratic party’s strategy. “Who would have guessed lying about Biden’s cognitive health for 2 yrs, refusing to do an open convention for a new nominee, never mentioning public healthcare & embracing fracking, the Cheneys & a yr long slaughter of children in Gaza wouldn’t be a winning strategy?” he tweeted, later adding, “It is time to abandon the Dem Party.”
Acclaimed author Stephen King struck a more somber note, writing, “There’s a sign you can see in many shops that sell beautiful but fragile items: LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT’S SOLD. You can say the same about democracy.” British writer Philip Pullman simply bid farewell: “Goodbye, America. It was nice knowing you.”
Fears for the Future
As the dust settles on the 2024 election, many in Hollywood are grappling with what Trump’s victory means for the future. With a conservative Supreme Court likely to shape American life for a generation and ongoing concerns over the president’s divisive rhetoric, celebrities who had pinned their hopes on a Harris win are now facing a stark new reality.
Yet even in defeat, some refuse to give up the fight. As one industry insider noted, “Trump may have won the election, but he hasn’t silenced our voices. If anything, this will only make us louder, more determined to push for change. Hollywood has always been at the forefront of social progress, and that’s not going to stop now. We’ll keep using our platforms, our influence, to advocate for what’s right. It’s going to be a long four years, but we’re in it for the long haul.”
Only time will tell how the entertainment world — and the nation as a whole — will navigate the challenges ahead. But one thing is certain: the stars who fought so passionately to prevent a second Trump term are not going quietly into the night. For them, the battle has only just begun.
