Which Celebrities Vote for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?
As the US election takes place today, many iconic figures have lined up behind the two leading candidates: Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democrats and former President Donald Trump for the Republicans. While Democrats often benefited from massive celebrity support, popularity alone is no guarantee of success, as Hillary Clinton’s failure in 2016 demonstrated.
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
On the one hand, Hollywood stars (and Avengers) such as Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr have expressed their support for Kamala Harris via video. Beyoncé, who showed up at a Democratic rally, recalled her commitment as a mother, calling for a fairer world for future generations. Taylor Swift, for her part, announced her choice to her millions of followers by declaring: “I’m voting for Harris because she stands up for the causes that are important to me.” Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, although a Republican, announced his support for the Democrats, saying that America must turn the page on the Trump era, which he considers “un-American.”
Billie Eilish, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Harrison Ford, Madonna, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and Cher are also among the stars who have lent their support to Ms. Harris.
Celebrity influence remains relative
On the other hand, Donald Trump can count on influential figures like Elon Musk, who donated a substantial amount ($75 million) to his campaign , and Hulk Hogan, who has attended several of his rallies. Mel Gibson said of Trump: “I don’t think my vote is going to surprise anyone.” The support of conservative celebrities, such as Jon Voight (Angelina Jolie’s father), Dennis Quaid, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul and Kid Rock plays a major role in rallying the Republican electorate. The latter said: “I know Trump will make America great again.”
According to a YouGov survey, only 11% of Americans admit that celebrities influence their political opinions, and 7% have already supported a candidate because of a celebrity endorsement. The influence of celebrities is therefore relative, even if their positions draw attention to the issues. Ultimately, it is the voter, not the celebrity, who will have the last word.