Celebrity endorsements add fuel to Harris and Trump 2024 election race

Celebrities from pop icons to sports figures and tech billionaires are rallying in support of either Harris or Trump

As the 2024 US presidential election nears, celebrities from pop icons to sports figures and tech billionaires are rallying in support of either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

The endorsements come from diverse backgrounds, spanning music, sports, and business, adding influence to what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes election.

From Taylor Swift’s grassroots support for Harris to Elon Musk’s financial backing for Trump, celebrity influence is permeating both campaigns.

Taylor Swift: Rallying Swifties for Harris

Music superstar Taylor Swift has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, bringing her immense social media following into the political fold.

After publicly supporting Harris, Swift sparked the formation of “Swifties for Kamala,” a grassroots campaign mobilising young voters in swing states.

The group, led by fans, has been hosting events and creating social media content, with one campaign organiser noting they are on track to make 22 million direct voter contacts by Election Day.

Swift’s influence is evident, with an estimated 340,000 fans visiting a voter registration site through her Instagram endorsement link within 24 hours.

Elon Musk: A Financial Powerhouse for Trump

 

On the other end of the spectrum, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has emerged as a powerful ally for Trump. Musk endorsed Trump in July, following an assassination attempt on the former president, and later pledged substantial financial support through his America PAC.

Musk’s PAC has funneled $75 million into Trump’s campaign, funding voter mobilisation efforts in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona.

Musk’s backing includes significant social media engagement as he joins Trump on the campaign trail, using his platform to advocate for policies like free speech, gun rights, and secure borders.

While Musk’s endorsement of Trump aligns with conservative values, it has also generated polarising responses, with a September poll showing 13% of voters felt more enthusiastic about Trump following Musk’s support, while 21% felt less so.

Still, Musk’s influence as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals remains a significant factor in Trump’s campaign efforts.

Wrestlers Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker: WWE Stars in Trump’s Corner

 

WWE icons Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker have also shown support for Trump, bringing their long-standing wrestling personas into the political realm.

In a recent viral TikTok video, Trump joined The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) and Kane (Glenn Jacobs) in a humorous endorsement where they rallied viewers to “choose Trump, Kane, and The Undertaker over Harris, Bautista, and Walz.”

 

 

 

 

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The video played on Trump’s longstanding ties to WWE and his friendship with co-founder Vince McMahon, who has supported Trump at multiple campaign events.

Hogan, appearing at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, doubled down on his support, citing Trump’s strength and leadership. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Hogan called Trump the “only man who can fix the country,” while The Undertaker highlighted the importance of standing with Trump against Harris.

 

Their support, while unconventional, aligns with Trump’s goal to attract non-traditional political supporters.

Mick Foley: A Wrestling Icon for Harris

 

In contrast to his WWE counterparts, wrestling legend Mick Foley endorsed Harris, calling Trump a “dangerous conman” in a recent CNN interview.

Known as Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, Foley spoke about his disillusionment with Trump, whom he once viewed as a “harmless conman.”

Foley expressed admiration for Harris’s values, describing her as “positive” and “competent,” and endorsed her for what he sees as a hopeful future.

Foley’s opposition to Trump reflects his desire to address what he calls the “fear-driven” narrative Trump perpetuates.

 

 

 

 

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He believes Harris brings a fresh and optimistic perspective to American politics, which has resonated with progressive voters, especially in his wrestling fanbase.

Beyonce: Houston Rally and “Freedom” Anthem

 

Beyoncé walked on stage to roaring applause from an audience of over 30,000, sharing her personal motivations for supporting Harris.

“I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” she said, emphasising that “freedom is your God-given right, your human right.” Following her remarks, she introduced Harris, who walked onstage to Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Freedom.”

The song, often cited as an anthem for empowerment, underscores Harris’s message as she campaigns on reproductive rights and social equity.

Beyoncé’s support offers Harris access to a broad audience, particularly among Black and younger voters.

Other Major Celebrity Endorsements for Harris

 

Harris has gained broad support from prominent figures across entertainment and business. Beyoncé’s support has added momentum, with her song “Freedom” often playing at Harris’s rallies.

Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as directors like Spike Lee and Aaron Sorkin, have publicly supported her campaign.

Former political figures, including former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter, have all rallied for Harris, lending weight to her campaign and reinforcing her standing among moderate and progressive voters alike.

Billionaires backing Harris include Bill Gates and Mark Cuban, while other influential voices like Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and former Fox News personality Geraldo Rivera have shown support, reflecting a growing coalition of entertainment and business leaders rallying behind her.

Other Major Celebrity Endorsements for Trump

 

Beyond Musk, Trump’s support spans an array of entertainers and athletes.

Rapper Kid Rock and actors Jon Voight and Dennis Quaid have publicly endorsed Trump, and UFC President Dana White endorsed him at the Republican National Convention.

Other high-profile figures, such as author and finance guru Dave Ramsey and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, have expressed their support, resonating with Trump’s more conservative fanbase.

Billionaire supporters, including Linda McMahon, Marc Andreesen, and Steve Wynn, have financially bolstered Trump’s campaign, adding to his resources in crucial battleground states.

As Election Day approaches, these endorsements from entertainment and sports celebrities are likely to further mobilise Trump’s supporters.