The shockwaves of Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the recent election reverberated far beyond the political sphere, reaching into the hearts and minds of celebrities and social media users alike. The reactions were a kaleidoscope of emotions, ranging from simmering anger and disbelief to a deep sense of foreboding for the future.
Susie Dent, the esteemed lexicographer and dictionary queen of UK TV’s Countdown, captured the prevailing mood with her ‘Word of the Day’ on X: “recrudescence” (17th century): the return of something terrible after a time of reprieve.” This grim sentiment echoed across social media, with countless voices reflecting the same chilling fear of a return to the divisive policies and rhetoric that defined Trump’s first term.
Star Wars actor and vocal Trump critic Mark Hamill expressed a sense of profound disillusionment: “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.” This sentiment of disbelief and questioning the very fabric of American identity resonated with many, prompting introspection and a sense of unease about the path forward.
Jamie Lee Curtis, taking to Instagram, shared a sobering message that spoke to the anxieties of many: “Many fear their rights will be impeded and denied. Many, minority groups and young people will be afraid. Gay and trans people will be more afraid. We know that many women will now find it difficult to get the reproductive healthcare that they need and deserve.” Curtis’s words, while acknowledging the fear and uncertainty, also offered a message of hope and solidarity, promising support to those who would be disproportionately impacted by Trump’s policies.
Singer Billie Eilish, in a brief but powerful Instagram story post, simply wrote: “It’s a war on women.” This stark statement encapsulated the anxieties felt by many women across the country, who feared a rollback of hard-won rights and protections.
Adding to the growing sense of despair, film director Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie, wrote: “I think we may have overestimated the goodness in people.” Jones’s statement, echoing the sense of disillusionment expressed by many, reflected a growing pessimism about the direction of American society.
Jack White, known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, was blunt and unequivocal: “Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in.” White’s statement, while inflammatory, underscored the fear felt by many who viewed Trump as a threat to democratic principles and institutions.
Renowned author Philip Pullman’s succinct farewell, “Goodbye, America. It was nice knowing you,” captured the sense of loss and resignation felt by many who saw Trump’s victory as a turning point for the country.
Stephen King, in his characteristically poignant style, drew a parallel between the fragility of democracy and delicate objects: “There’s a sign you can see in many shops that sell beautiful but fragile items: LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT’S SOLD. You can say the same about democracy.” King’s words underscored the fear that Trump’s victory might represent a permanent fracturing of the democratic ideals that America had long cherished.
The reactions weren’t limited to despondency. There was also anger, frustration, and a fervent call to action. Lambrini Girls, a band known for its politically charged lyrics, expressed their outrage in a strongly worded Instagram post: “GM. We are all totally fucked. The fact that society would rather a rapist run one of the worlds superpowers opposed to a woman is testament to that in itself. Fascism is here and it’s crucial to engage politically, now more than ever.” Their message resonated with many who viewed Trump’s victory as a victory for authoritarianism and a threat to the very fabric of democratic society.
Actor John Cusack, in a searing critique, wrote: “The fact that the country would choose to destroy itself by voting in a convicted felon rapist and Nazi is a sign of deep nihilism. To put it mildly.” Cusack’s statement highlighted the profound sense of shock and disbelief that many felt at the outcome of the election, perceiving it as a repudiation of American values.
Mary L Trump, Donald Trump’s estranged niece and a vocal critic of her uncle, shared a message that encapsulated the pain and disappointment felt by many voters: “I am so deeply sorry. I thought better of us.”
Beyond the celebrity sphere, the general public expressed their reactions through a flood of memes, tweets, and online posts. Some lamented the perceived misogyny at play in the election, while others shared humorous memes depicting the absurdity of the situation. Many expressed their fears of a return to the divisive and chaotic policies that characterized Trump’s first term.
However, amidst the darkness and despair, some voices offered a glimmer of hope. Moby, the electronic music artist, urged his followers to practice self-care: “It’s not going to benefit anybody to doomscroll and watch the news and constantly just spiral down into depression… So it might sound like a new age cliché, but we have to practice self care, we have to eat well and exercise and spend time with people we love and help animals and do anything that keeps us sane and healthy.”
The reactions of celebrities and social media users following Trump’s reelection offered a powerful reflection of the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that gripped the nation. It remains to be seen how this divided nation will move forward in the face of such profound political and social divisions.
