As the 2024 United States presidential election draws near, the impact of celebrity endorsements is becoming increasingly significant, shaping public opinion and mobilising voters like never before. Recent research from Harvard University highlights that "celebrity voices are incredibly powerful," capable of shifting voter sentiments and influencing polling numbers.
The study underscores how celebrity-backed campaigns can lead to immediate spikes in voter registration and participation, as these high-profile figures are "uniquely positioned to empower everyday Americans."
Ashley Spillane, a political expert and author of the Harvard study, notes that young voters often exhibit low trust in traditional leaders and institutions, including the media. In contrast, celebrities are perceived as credible voices in the political arena. This phenomenon was clearly demonstrated in the 2020 election, where pop icon Taylor Swift's endorsement of Joe Biden reportedly resulted in a staggering 35,000 new voter registrations in just one day, according to Vote.org. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s backing of Barack Obama in 2008 is believed to have driven an additional one million votes.
The 2024 presidential race, featuring Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris, has attracted a diverse array of celebrity endorsements, amplifying each campaign's message and transforming this election into one of the most star-studded political contests in recent history.
High-Profile Supporters of Donald Trump
Elon Musk
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stands out as one of Trump's most vocal supporters. Musk has made headlines by attending rallies and sharing pro-Trump sentiments on social media. His reported financial backing of Trump’s campaign exceeds $119 million, and he has pledged $1 million daily to support efforts related to free speech and gun rights. Musk declared his endorsement in July, posting a picture with Trump and praising him as "the toughest candidate since Theodore Roosevelt."
Zachary Levi
Actor Zachary Levi, known for his role in Shazam!, has openly expressed his support for Trump, acknowledging that this endorsement may cost him career opportunities in Hollywood. Levi believes Trump is the only candidate capable of "taking back" America, despite initially supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before Kennedy shifted his allegiance to Trump.
Kid Rock
Rock musician Kid Rock is a staunch advocate for Trump, frequently appearing at his rallies. At the Republican National Convention, he energized the crowd with a performance, urging attendees to "fight, fight." Following an assassination attempt on Trump, Kid Rock reaffirmed his loyalty, declaring, “If you [expletive] with Trump, you [expletive] with me.”
Hulk Hogan
Former wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan made waves at the RNC by proclaiming, “Run wild, brother, let Trump-a-mania rule again.” He expressed frustration over current events in America, stating he could "no longer stay silent" in what he views as a pivotal moment for the nation.
Amber Rose
Model and rapper Amber Rose also took to the RNC stage, criticizing the media for misrepresenting Trump. She stated, “For a long time, I believed the lies,” before voicing her support for Trump's vision.
Brett Favre
Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, a long-time Trump supporter, recently reiterated his endorsement in a television advertisement, urging Americans to “choose a strong leader” who will “protect families and restore world peace.”
Roseanne Barr
Controversial comedian Roseanne Barr has voiced her support for Trump by releasing satirical videos critical of Biden. Known for her provocative comments, Barr has hinted at conspiracies regarding the Biden administration’s use of health declarations for political control.
Prominent Supporters of Kamala Harris
Beyoncé
At a rally in Houston, Beyoncé passionately endorsed Kamala Harris, urging voters to "vote not just as a celebrity, but as a mother" who is invested in creating a united world. Joined by Kelly Rowland, she introduced Harris as the “next president of the United States.”
Eminem
Rapper Eminem, a well-known critic of Trump, lent his voice to Harris's campaign at a rally in his hometown. He encouraged young voters to participate and even invited former President Barack Obama on stage, who invigorated the audience with lines from Eminem's hit Lose Yourself.
Cher
Veteran singer Cher has openly supported Harris on social media, expressing confidence in her commitment to "protect our rights." Cher's endorsement resonated deeply with her fan base, further amplifying Harris's campaign.
Usher
RnB artist Usher attended a rally for Harris in Atlanta, emphasizing the importance of supporting a new generation of leaders. He proudly spoke of Harris’s representation of “a fight for freedom and everyone’s rights.”
Lizzo
Detroit-native Lizzo rallied with Harris, countering Trump’s disparaging remarks about Detroit. She stated, “Proud like Detroit, resilient like Detroit,” showcasing her support for Harris as a strong female leader.
Taylor Swift
In light of an AI-altered image circulating that falsely suggested her endorsement of Trump, Taylor Swift clarified her political stance by supporting Harris, who she believes champions the “rights and causes I believe need a champion.”
Billie Eilish and Finneas
Siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas have jointly endorsed Harris, urging fans to “vote like your life depends on it.” They highlighted Harris’s commitment to “reproductive freedom, our planet, and democracy,” framing this election as vital for protecting these principles.
John Legend and Cynthia Nixon
Singer John Legend, a prominent figure at the Democratic National Convention, has consistently supported Harris, having previously fundraised for her Senate campaign. Actress Cynthia Nixon echoed this sentiment, expressing her support through a vibrant social media post.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey, making her first appearance at a DNC event, passionately advocated for Harris, framing the 2024 election as a fight for “decency and respect.” Her heartfelt address emphasized Harris’s vision for inclusive leadership.
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling, a close friend of Harris, appeared at the DNC, sharing personal anecdotes that highlighted Harris’s kindness and resilience. Kaling humorously reflected on a previous cooking video they filmed, emphasizing Harris’s dedication to uplifting others.
George Clooney
Actor George Clooney has been an early supporter of Harris, recently endorsing her while advocating for Biden to step aside. In a CNN interview, he described Harris's campaign as a “historic quest,” expressing enthusiasm for a leader who understands what it means to be "deeply American."
Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen
Rock legends Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen have publicly opposed Trump. Foo Fighters condemned Trump’s unauthorized use of their song My Hero, pledging any resulting royalties to Harris’s campaign. Springsteen labeled Trump “the most dangerous candidate in my lifetime,” affirming confidence in Harris's vision for an inclusive America.
Star-studded political divide
As Election Day approaches, the campaign trail of 2024 has transformed into a battleground not just for politicians but for celebrities as well. Each celebrity endorsement serves to mobilize and inspire voters, bringing heightened visibility and enthusiasm to both campaigns. The endorsements tap into millions of followers and fan bases, often transcending political boundaries.
In an era marked by declining trust in traditional institutions, the star power of celebrities showcases the potent blend of celebrity influence and political advocacy. Whether these endorsements will sway undecided voters remains uncertain, but their undeniable role in energizing participation and shaping public opinion cannot be overlooked.
Ultimately, the 2024 election represents a cultural moment where the interplay of celebrity and politics takes center stage, highlighting how modern campaigns increasingly rely on star power to connect with voters. As celebrities from various realms of entertainment lend their voices, the election evolves into a spectacle of not just political policy but also cultural significance, underscoring the enduring impact of celebrity influence in shaping the political landscape.
