In the wake of Donald Trump’s unexpected victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, Hollywood’s biggest names who previously championed Harris are staying conspicuously quiet. While pro-Trump voices like Roseanne Barr, Rob Schneider, and Zachary Levi are taking to social media to celebrate, many celebrities who had been vocal Harris supporters appear to be choosing silence as their reaction to the surprising turn of events.
Throughout the campaign, stars like Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Leonardo DiCaprio rallied in support of Harris, encouraging their fans to vote and sharing passionate endorsements. Some of the endorsements were deeply personal, such as Beyoncé, who took the stage at a Harris rally in Houston, describing her support as a mother concerned about her children’s future. “Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations,” Beyoncé said, invoking a vision of an America led by women in power. Yet, after Trump’s landslide victory, she, like many others, has remained silent.
We’re back. Let’s #AssembleForDemocracy. In the #ElectionEndgame, every vote counts 🗳️ #VoteBlue! Vote @KamalaHarris @Tim_Walz pic.twitter.com/Xp7YdUEqxa
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 31, 2024
According to PR expert Doug Eldridge, this silence may be calculated. “Had it been closer, you might be hearing more fervent rebukes and calls to ‘resist’ from the celebrity class,” Eldridge said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Trump dominated the Electoral College and won the popular vote,” he explained, suggesting that outspoken celebrities might feel the need to respect the mandate of voters—who are also their fans. Eldridge added that “simply allowing the results to settle” may be a way for stars to avoid alienating their audience, given that pushing back could further polarize their fan bases.
Some of the biggest names in entertainment were front and center for Harris. Oprah, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention and appeared at Harris’s final rally in Philadelphia, has not issued a comment since the election. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez, who joined Harris on the campaign trail in Las Vegas, has redirected her focus toward promoting her film Unstoppable. Taylor Swift, who endorsed Harris in a rare political statement in September, has similarly refrained from addressing the election since Trump’s win.
Even longtime political activist George Clooney, who publicly supported Harris and described Joe Biden as a savior of democracy, has chosen not to comment. His silence is particularly noticeable, as he had campaigned vigorously, even telling men to “hide their votes” for Harris in an ad spot. Other high-profile stars like Bruce Springsteen, who endorsed Harris and Tim Walz for their vision of a “more just America,” and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who broke from his Republican roots to support Harris, have also opted not to weigh in on the outcome.
Honestly, I don’t really feel vindication, because I didn’t need a win to know that I was fighting for what’s right. Win or lose, I was going to follow the conviction and calling that God put in and on me from the time I was born. That said, I am so incredibly grateful to, and… https://t.co/8q51wJorNh
— Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) November 6, 2024
In contrast, pro-Trump celebrities have been vocal and, in some cases, celebratory. Roseanne Barr, a longtime Trump supporter, teased her interest in becoming his press secretary in a response to a fan on X, while Rob Schneider posted a playful rendition of Michael Jackson’s Smile, humorously addressing “Oprah and Beyoncé” in his altered lyrics. Levi, in a more reflective tone, expressed gratitude for the outcome, encouraging his followers to continue “fighting for what’s right” no matter the challenges.
For Hollywood’s outspoken Harris supporters, Eldridge suggests that restraint is often the wiser choice in the face of a clear electoral outcome. “There’s a delicate balance between speaking your mind and sharing your values versus isolating and polarizing your fan base,” he noted, pointing out that, as public figures, the potential fallout from alienating segments of their audience is a very real concern. Eldridge cited recent examples, such as Tom Brady facing backlash for his perceived support of Trump and NFL player Nick Bosa reportedly under scrutiny for wearing a MAGA hat, as cautionary tales for stars weighing the risks of taking political stances.
