Trump’s Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan vs. Harris’ Charli XCX, Cher: The 2024 election’s celebrity showdown

In the 2024 election, celebrity endorsements have become a key strategy for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as they vie for the presidency.

The influence of these endorsements may be debated, but there’s no question that they serve as powerful tools for engaging specific voter demographics and keeping candidates in the public eye. Harris and Trump have each attracted a roster of celebrities, but the types of endorsements they’ve received and the impact they hope to achieve reveal different approaches to leveraging star power.

Kamala Harris has captured the support of a diverse range of celebrities, many of whom resonate strongly with younger voters. One of the most notable endorsements came from British pop star Charli XCX, who sent social media into a frenzy by endorsing Harris with the phrase “kamala IS brat,” a reference to one of her songs. This July 2024 endorsement quickly became a cultural moment, particularly among the youth, prompting Harris' campaign to temporarily adopt Charli XCX's signature lime green as their X profile background.

Harris' endorsement lineup features big names like John Legend, Octavia Spencer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who are all set to appear at the Democratic National Convention from August 19-24. These celebrities, many of whom have substantial social media followings, bring visibility and cultural cachet to Harris' campaign. Other prominent endorsements for Harris include Jeff Bridges, Cher, Spike Lee, and Amy Schumer, who all bring their own unique influence to the table. Bridges, known for his role as “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski, has already participated in a “White dudes for Harris” Zoom meeting, directly engaging a demographic that might otherwise be challenging to reach.

On the other side, Donald Trump has secured endorsements from a variety of celebrities, many of whom are iconic figures in American culture. Trump’s roster includes the likes of wrestler Hulk Hogan and singer Jason Aldean, who appeared at the Republican National Convention in July. These endorsements tap into a different cultural vein, one rooted in nostalgia and traditional Americana that resonates with Trump's base. Other notable endorsements for Trump come from comedian Roseanne Barr, singer Kid Rock, model Amber Rose, and actor Jon Voight, figures who often appeal to older voters or those who identify with Trump's populist message. Kid Rock, for example, has actively participated in the campaign by hosting a series of “Rock the Country” concerts, designed to energize and mobilize Trump’s supporters.

The value of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns is often debated. While some researchers suggest that Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008 may have contributed an additional 1 million votes to his total, other studies indicate that such endorsements rarely swing election outcomes. A February 2020 survey found that 89% of adults wouldn’t change their vote based on a celebrity’s recommendation. However, 11% said they might, and a significant 19% of younger voters indicated that a celebrity endorsement could influence their choice. In this context, the Harris and Trump campaigns’ reliance on celebrity endorsements might be less about swaying committed voters and more about engaging the undecided or less politically engaged.

While celebrities may not drastically change voter decisions, their endorsements still carry significant cultural influence, particularly among younger voters. Celebrities help expand a candidate’s voter base, raise campaign funds, and, perhaps most importantly, keep a politician relevant in a fast-paced media environment. Celebrities have not only endorsed candidates but have also been vocal about their opposition. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, faced backlash after his comments about childless women being unfit to run the country resurfaced in July 2024. This sparked a strong response from celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Whoopi Goldberg, who criticized Vance’s statements and brought further media attention to the controversy.

Another critical role celebrities play is in voter mobilization. In September 2023, Taylor Swift encouraged her fans to register to vote through a post on social media, leading to a 1,226% spike in traffic to vote.org and over 35,000 new voter registrations within an hour. Although Swift hasn’t officially endorsed a candidate in the 2024 election, speculation that she might support Harris has led to the rise of the “Swifties4Kamala” movement, which has amassed over 180,000 followers. Trump, not to be outdone, falsely claimed on August 18 that Swift had endorsed him, posting an AI-generated image on Truth Social suggesting she supported his campaign. This incident highlights the lengths to which campaigns will go to align themselves with influential cultural figures, even if the support isn’t genuine.

Ultimately, while celebrity endorsements may not be the deciding factor in an election, they remain a potent tool for both Trump and Harris. By engaging celebrities, these campaigns tap into cultural currents that can energize voters, especially those who might not be as engaged with traditional political discourse. In a close election, even the smallest shifts in voter behavior can make a difference, and in this regard, the star power of celebrities could prove to be a valuable asset.