After Donald Trump's victory over Kamala Harris on Wednesday, November 6, many celebrities confided their anxieties and disappointments on social networks.
They move crowds across the world. But the support of Beyoncé or even Taylor Swift will not have allowed Kamala Harris to beat Donald Trump, once again elected President of the United States. A Democratic tradition, this avalanche of stars shows its limits.
Donald Trump had to do without the glamor of Hollywood. But by appearing with athletes and other masculinist influencers, he hit the mark with a certain electorate. Neither George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez or Lady Gaga, all on Kamala Harris' side, made the cut. « Not for this election, that’s clear! », Notes Laurence Maslon, professor of art at New York University. « People probably realize that Beyoncé and George Clooney don't have to worry about gas prices or eggs. », he emphasizes to AFP.
In the United States, more than in most other countries, the mix between stars and political figures has been well-established since the days of Frank Sinatra bringing together his Rat Pack group to support John F. Kennedy in 1960. This year, collections fundraisers in Hollywood raised tens of millions of dollars to finance Kamala Harris' record-breaking campaign.
But this strategy « will never be the sesame that everyone is waiting for », points out to AFP Margaretha Bentley, professor at Arizona State University, who notably teaches a public affairs course devoted to Taylor Swift. For the researcher, the failure of the Democrats should lead them to « a deep self-analysis » to question « what could have been more successful »including when it comes to celebrity endorsements.
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Author of a book on the political commitment of stars, Mark Harvey also believes that no one « shouldn't be hugely surprised ». « The idea that celebrities can influence people to vote for candidates is not really supported by scientific data »he reminds AFP. According to him, their impact is limited to areas in which these stars have real experience or expertise.
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As a champion, Donald Trump surrounds himself with big names in the world of sport, like on the evening of his victory, with UFC boss Dana White, a man « dur » and a « sacred number » according to him. As for golfer Bryson DeChambeau, he describes it as « fantastic » and even like hitting the ball « slightly further » than him, Donald Trump being a fan of this sport with his own club in Florida. And amid the applause of the public, much praise was devoted to its richest supporter, billionaire Elon Musk. Donald Trump also received the support of Joe Rogan, influential host of one of the most popular podcasts in the world, particularly among young men.
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In an election « largely dominated by cultural issues, one of the most powerful was that of masculinity », pointe Mark Harvey. « This idea of being “a real guy”, the “macho” Trump, that’s the kind of thing Joe Rogan plays with all the time »he adds. But « the value and impact of celebrity endorsements of candidates » are indeed the subject of « debate »told AFP Ashley Spillane, head of a consulting firm specializing in particular on the influence of stars on society. According to her, there are « strong evidence that celebrities have a real impact on promoting nonpartisan civic engagement more generally »like Taylor Swift's call to vote that led 400,000 people to a voter registration site.
Despite the defeat of Kamala Harris, Hollywood has not remained silent, like Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis or actor John Cusack who is already denouncing Donald Trump as a « fascist in absolute power ».
Christina Applegate, the star of the sitcom Married, two children exclaimed in turn at X.
The novelist Stephen King, for his part, used a metaphor to denounce the re-election of Donald Trump: « There is often a sign in stores that sell beautiful and fragile objects: 'if you break it, you pay for it.' The same can be said of democracy. »
Rapper Cardi B published a text of support for the Democratic candidate on Instagram: « I hate you all so much ».
