Celebrities in the entertainment industry are making surprising shifts in political allegiances ahead of the upcoming election. The influence of these celebrities can help brand candidates and highlight strengths or mitigate weaknesses for the campaigns. Celebs who have recently moved to the left include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kodak Black, Nicky Jam, and Ana Navarro, joining other Democratic supporters such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bruce Springsteen. On the other hand, those shifting to the right include Elon Musk, Amber Rose, Zachary Levi, and Brittany Mahomes, joining the ranks of Republican supporters like Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock, and Waka Flocka.
While celebrity support may help in mobilizing new voters, political strategists suggest that the impact on the ultimate election outcome may be limited. Many people who are impressed by these celebrities have already chosen a side in terms of their political beliefs. For example, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become a vocal supporter of Trump, despite previously stating he was not donating to either presidential candidate. He has donated substantial amounts to a pro-Trump Super PAC and publicly endorsed the former president, even going as far as to say, “I’m not just MAGA, I’m dark MAGA.”
Amber Rose, a model and actress, shifted her political stance from criticizing Trump in 2016 to endorsing him on a podcast earlier this year. She expressed her support for Trump at the Republican National Convention, claiming that the media has lied about Trump and his supporters and expressing confidence in his ability to lead the country. Similarly, Zachary Levi, known for his role in “Shazam!,” initially supported a different candidate but later stood with Trump at a rally and acknowledged the risk to his career in doing so due to Hollywood’s liberal tendencies.
Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, caused a stir with her political leanings after liking a Trump Instagram post. Despite her previous lack of political vocalization, her support for Trump sparked controversy and speculation. Other celebrities, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kodak Black, have also made notable shifts in political allegiances ahead of the upcoming election, with Schwarzenegger announcing support for Kamala Harris and Walz and Kodak Black withdrawing his support for Trump due to offensive comments about Haitian immigrants. The shifts in celebrity endorsements and support add further intrigue to an already unpredictable election season.
