Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, celebrities from Hollywood to the sports world took to social media, expressing reactions ranging from frustration and disbelief to cautious optimism and calls for unity. Here’s a roundup of how some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports are responding to the outcome.
Some celebrities who vocally opposed Trump’s candidacy shared a sense of deep disappointment. NBA star LeBron James, an outspoken supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, posted a touching photo with his daughter, captioning it with a pledge to “protect you,” a message seemingly addressing the fears and uncertainties expressed by many of Trump’s critics.
Actor John Cusack went further, posting a strongly worded critique of Trump supporters. “The country voted in a convicted felon with a history of accusations, and that’s a profound signal of nihilism,” Cusack wrote, summarizing the sentiments of many disillusioned celebrities who had hoped for a Harris win.
Meanwhile, celebrities like Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, and Kendall Jenner took a different approach, choosing to inspire resilience. Reposting a message emphasizing the power and influence of women, they wrote, “You are seen, valued, and unstoppable. Your strength and prowess continue to change the world,” a nod to the resilience they hope women will carry into this new era.
While many responded with outrage, others rallied around Trump’s victory. Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who campaigned for Trump, called for peace and collaboration in his post-election message. “This election season showed how deeply we care about America’s future,” Hogan stated, asking Americans to come together despite differing views.
Country singer Brittany Aldean, known for her support of Trump, posted a celebratory message as she tuned into Fox News to watch the election results, calling it “Christmas morning.” Actor Kevin Sorbo echoed her enthusiasm, posting simply, “Christ is king. Trump is president. Goodnight.”
Some of Trump’s supporters also took the opportunity to critique the Harris campaign. Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, criticized what he called the “arrogance” of the Harris camp, claiming their “moral superiority” and “condescending attitude” toward middle America cost them the election.
Some of the loudest reactions came from celebrities known for their progressive activism. Actress Whoopi Goldberg, who has long opposed Trump, pointedly refused to utter his name on her show, “The View.” Meanwhile, her co-host Sunny Hostin said she felt “profoundly disturbed” by the choice, and Joy Behar openly disagreed with the direction the country had taken.
Billie Eilish, who endorsed Harris, labeled Trump’s win a “war on women,” capturing the frustration of many who worry about the implications his presidency could have on women’s rights. Ariana Grande echoed these concerns in an emotional post, saying she was “holding the hand of everyone feeling the heaviness” of the outcome.
Veteran actress Bette Midler added a touch of dark humor to her reaction, posting a photo of a bottle of Drano—a toxic household cleaner—before deactivating her social media account in frustration over the results. Meanwhile, Cardi B expressed her anger directly, using an Instagram live stream to warn Trump voters to stay away from her, venting her frustration with language that left no ambiguity about her feelings.
Others offered deeper reflections on the impact of Trump’s win. Actor Kevin McHale noted the potential long-term effects on the Supreme Court, saying, “Ultra-conservative bigotry, xenophobia, and racism have been given a mandate.” Jamie Lee Curtis encouraged Harris supporters to “fight against tyranny, one day at a time,” as she worried that the win could signal a shift toward more restrictive times.
Jon Stewart, host of “The Daily Show,” urged Harris supporters not to give up but to stay resilient and work toward building a better society for future generations. Echoing this sentiment, Adam McKay, the director of Don’t Look Up, voiced frustrations with the Democratic Party, questioning its strategies and calling for a re-evaluation of its approach to key issues.
In the wake of Trump’s win, it’s clear that the celebrity world remains as polarized as the country itself. While some see his victory as a sign of hope for traditional values, others fear a regression in rights and progressive achievements. As celebrities continue to voice their hopes and concerns, their influence in shaping public opinion around Trump’s second term may become more significant than ever.
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