Hollywood’s prominent voices, from award-winning actors to well-known musicians, shared their reactions following the victory of US President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump, who previously served as the 45th US president from 2017 to 2021, has won the recent presidential election on Wednesday, marking a historic comeback by defeating Kamala Harris with 295-226 electoral votes.
TRUMP RETURNS TO THE WHITE HOUSE! 🇺🇸 Donald Trump has been elected the president of the United States after winning…
Posted by Philippine Star on Wednesday, November 6, 2024
His victory is notable given his criminal conviction and recent assassination attempts.
'GOD SPARED MY LIFE FOR A REASON' Donald Trump addressed supporters after a nearing victory in the US presidential race…
Posted by Philippine Star on Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Trump is the first president in over a century to serve non-consecutive terms and the first convicted felon to be elected. At 78, he is also set to become the oldest sitting president, surpassing Joe Biden, who will step down at 82.
While some shared messages of resilience and support for marginalized communities, others mourned the impact they feared the presidency could have on rights and freedoms across the United States.
Olympian gymnast Simone Biles shared a message directed at Biden, advocating for continued progress on women’s rights and protections in the lead-up to the presidential transition and urging him to take action before leaving office.
“Mr. Biden, I need you to stand up, straighten your back and make some things shake before your departure,” she wrote, adding, “xoxo the women in America 💙.”
Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis conveyed a heartfelt message about the fears many Americans face, describing Trump’s win as a “draconian time”.
“So the results are in. Many will be celebrating, possibly even gloating over their victory. Many will be stunned and sad with the terrible feelings of the loss,” she began her post on Instagram.
Curtis pledged to support those who feel vulnerable, urging Americans to “wake up and fight” for freedom and equality, and reminding people to show kindness and care for themselves and others during this challenging time.
“What it really means is that we wake up and fight… for women and our children and their futures and fight against tyranny, one day at a time. One fight at a time. One protest at a time. That’s what it means to be American,” the actress declared, underlining her belief in American resilience.
Riverdale star Lili Reinhart voiced compassion for the women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct, reflecting on the emotional toll they might experience seeing their alleged abuser ascend to the nation’s highest office.
“I cannot fathom the feeling of the women who came forward about their sexual assault at the hands of Trump. Seeing millions of people vote for their abuser,” Reinhart wrote. “My heart absolutely breaks for these women. I believe you, and I am so sorry.”
Meanwhile, on X, rapper Cardi B urged supporters to avoid negativity following the election outcome, writing, “No need to nasty, y’all picked your winner…All we can do is be hopeful and wish the best.”
In a lengthier post, she praised Harris for her inspiring campaign and praised her determination, saying, “It was so inspiring how she fought and changed so many minds, including mine.”
Cardi B thanked Harris for inspiring her and her daughters, adding that Harris represented “what the American dream should be.”
“You really wanted better for ALL of us! This may not mean much but I am so proud of you! No one has ever made me change my mind and you did!”, the artist penned to Harris. “I never thought I would see the day that a woman of color would be running for the President of the United States, but you have shown me, showed my daughters and women across the country that anything is possible,”
Meanwhile, Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish kept her reaction short, declaring the political shift a “war on women.”
Her brother, singer-songwriter Finneas, echoed her dismay with a metaphor: “He told you he’d rob the house and you unlocked the door,” expressing disapproval of the electorate’s choice.
Legendary singer Barbra Streisand also shared her dismay with a brief post, “There are no words left.”
The pop icon later took a moment to thank Harris for her optimism, quoting her post-election message, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
In a supportive message to those struggling, pop star and actress Ariana Grande expressed solidarity, writing, “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today.”
Her fellow singer and former teen star Selena Gomez added to the collective grief, simply stating, “My heart is heavy today”, accompanied by a quote from Black American writer and activist Audrey Lorde on her Instagram story that read: “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
Musician and producer Jack Antonoff took a more community-centered approach, urging his followers to support each other.
“To my people, we turn to each other at the best times as we do at the worst times. Our community is alive because we lift and take care of each other. we are not moved by bullsh*t,” Antonoff wrote, encouraging activism and unity in response to the election results.
He continued, “When we’re afraid we lean on each other. Right now we are going to do exactly that. We are going to be there for each other.”
to my people
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) November 6, 2024
we turn to each other at the best times as we do at the worst times. our community is alive because we lift and take care of each other. we are not moved by bullshit. when we’re afraid we lean on each other. right now we are going to do exactly that. we are going to…
Comedienne and celebrity mom Christina Applegate shared her heartbreak over the potential threats to women’s rights, noting that her own child had been deeply affected by the election.
“Why? Give me your reasons why?????,” she questioned on X. “My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away. Why? And if you disagree, please unfollow me.”
Mark Hamill, who played the iconic character Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise and has been a vocal supporter of Harris, reflected on whether America’s leadership reflects its true values.
“They say we get the leaders we deserve. Either that has just been disproven, or this is not the America we all thought we were living in,” the actor’s X post read.
Meanwhile, best-selling author Stephen King added a somber note, quoted an sign often seen in stores, “LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT’S SOLD,” likening democracy to a fragile, precious object that must be preserved with care.
