Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the presidential election shocked many in Hollywood, with actors, musicians, and media personalities taking to social media to express their shock, disappointment, and concern over the implications of his win. While some were resigned to the outcome, many used the moment to voice their fears about the future of civil rights, women’s healthcare, and the state of American democracy.
Christina Applegate, the former star of Married…With Children, was one of the first to voice her dismay. The 52-year-old actress took to social media, expressing her anxiety about the potential rollback of reproductive rights in the wake of Trump’s win, which follows the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Applegate’s emotional posts conveyed the fear she felt for her child’s future. “My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Why? Give me your reasons why?????” In a follow-up post, Applegate invited followers who disagreed with her stance to unfollow her, emphasizing her outrage over the election results.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also shared her concerns on Instagram. “Trump’s win means a sure return to a more restrictive, some fear draconian time,” Curtis wrote. “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.” She went on to say that women would likely face difficulties accessing reproductive healthcare, adding, “But what it really means is that we wake up and fight. Fight for women and our children and their futures and fight against tyranny, one day at a time.”
Rapper Cardi B, known for her outspoken political views, kept her initial reaction simple but blunt, posting a video of herself on Instagram with the caption, “I hate y’all bad.” Later, she directed a message to Vice President Kamala Harris, offering words of encouragement despite the defeat. “No matter what they’ve said to bring you down or belittle your run for presidency, they can never say you didn’t run your race with honesty and integrity!” she wrote.
On the other side of the political spectrum, rapper 50 Cent appeared to show support for Trump. He shared a photo of himself with the president-elect on Instagram, writing, “I don’t care how the fight goes, I’m leaving with the winner shit. I still don’t know what’s going on. Congratulations!”
Billie Eilish, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, posted on her Instagram Story: “It’s a war on women,” a stark comment on the implications of Trump’s victory for female voters and women’s rights. Similarly, actor and Glee star Kevin McHale tweeted his pessimistic outlook on the Supreme Court’s future. “Supreme Court gone for the rest of my lifetime. Ultra-conservative evangelical bigotry, xenophobia, racism is the mandate,” he wrote.
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God bless us all. Even the scrotes and shitheels.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) November 6, 2024
David Simon, the creator of The Wire, also expressed his frustration with the outcome on X. He wrote, “God bless us all. Even the scrotes and shitheels.” Wendell Pierce, another Wire alum, shared concerns about the long-term impact of Trump’s presidency on the judicial system. “The Supreme Court will be changed for a generation,” he tweeted. “I’ll never see a moderate court again in my lifetime. Alito and Thomas will step down and Trump will appoint 40-year-old partisans to the bench. The damage he is about to inflict on our institutions the next 2 years will be irreparable.”
Yvette Nicole Brown, star of Community, reflected on the broader societal implications of Trump’s victory, particularly for Black Americans. “For us this is an every day Wednesday. Black folks are used to this. The rest of you are about to be shocked by how America treats you when it doesn’t care about you,” she posted on X. “The find out phase has begun,” she warned, reflecting the growing sense of alarm among some communities about the election’s aftermath.
In a more somber tone, author Stephen King likened the fragility of democracy to the delicate nature of fragile items in a store. “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 wrote, reflecting the sense of loss many felt after the election results.
On a more lighthearted note, comedian Michael Ian Black attempted to find a silver lining, posting, “Guys, let’s make it the best End of America ever!” His attempt at humor, however, did little to mask the general atmosphere of disappointment and fear in many parts of Hollywood.
Congrats @realDonaldTrump. You won fair and square.
Congrats to @elonmusk as well. #Godspeed
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) November 6, 2024
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Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, offered a more measured response. While he congratulated Trump on his victory, he acknowledged the legitimacy of the process, writing, “Congratulations, Trump. You won fair and square. #Godspeed.”
