Hollywood’s elite has been awfully quiet since last week’s election, when Kamala Harris suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Donald Trump. For a crowd that rarely hesitates to shout their opinions from the rooftops—or rather, from their palatial estates—it’s strange to hear nothing but crickets. It seems these stars, who live in their bubble of wealth and privilege, truly believed Harris was untouchable.
Not only did Trump secure the Electoral College, but he also clinched the popular vote, sending a message that resounded across the country—and apparently right into Hollywood’s ivory towers. For a group that prides itself on being the moral compass of America (or so they think), the realization that their influence might not hold as much sway as they imagined must sting.
In the weeks leading up to the election, some of the biggest names in entertainment went all-in for Harris. Oprah Winfrey took to the campaign trail, Jennifer Lopez wept at rallies, and Taylor Swift couldn’t post fast enough to show her support. Beyoncé, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Leonardo DiCaprio all joined the chorus of endorsements. They pulled out all the stops, using their fame to champion Harris.
But when the votes came in, and Trump walked away with the win, the silence from these same celebrities was deafening.
A Strategic Quiet
PR expert Doug Eldridge has an idea about why Hollywood’s biggest names have retreated into the shadows since the election results came out. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Eldridge noted that this radio silence isn’t accidental. “Had it been closer, you might be hearing more fervent rebukes and calls to ‘resist’ from the celebrity class,” he explained. “However, Trump dominated the Electoral College and won the popular vote. The voters—synonymous with ‘fans’ in this case—spoke loud and clear.”
Eldridge points out that celebrities live and die by their fan base. Their livelihoods depend on public approval, and polarizing half their audience with political tirades isn’t exactly good business. “Simply allowing the results to settle, the fans to calm, and the daily routine to progress is itself a reasonable, deescalating response,” he added.
In other words, staying quiet is just damage control. These stars may be passionate about politics, but they’re even more passionate about their box office returns, album sales, and endorsement deals.
Where Did the Passion Go?
Let’s take Oprah as an example. She was front and center at the Democratic National Convention, rallying alongside Harris and calling for unity and change. The night before the election, Oprah was there again, boosting Harris’ campaign at a Philadelphia rally. Yet, after Harris’ defeat, Oprah has been noticeably absent from the conversation.
Jennifer Lopez, who famously cried during a pre-election rally in Las Vegas, has been busy promoting her latest movie, Unstoppable. While this would be a prime opportunity to speak about Harris’ loss, Lopez hasn’t said a word. Similarly, Taylor Swift, who threw her star power behind Harris in September, has remained tight-lipped about the election. She’s been spotted at NFL games with her new boyfriend but hasn’t addressed the political upset.
For all their pre-election enthusiasm, these celebrities seem to have lost their voices once the results didn’t go their way.
A Lesson in Restraint
Eldridge suggests that Hollywood might want to rethink its approach to political advocacy. He warns that speaking out too forcefully on divisive issues can alienate audiences, and the cost isn’t just emotional—it’s financial. “As a celebrity, there’s a delicate balance between speaking your mind and sharing your values versus isolating and polarizing your fan base,” Eldridge said.
His advice is simple: “Measure twice, cut once” when it comes to airing political opinions. Perhaps this loss will serve as a wake-up call for Hollywood’s elite, reminding them that their influence doesn’t automatically translate into political power.
In the end, Harris’ defeat wasn’t just a blow to her campaign—it was a reality check for the entertainment world. The millions of everyday Americans who cast their votes last week made it clear that they’re not swayed by celebrity endorsements or teary-eyed rally speeches.
Maybe, just maybe, this will encourage Hollywood to keep its political views to itself. Then again, when has restraint ever been the hallmark of the entertainment industry? If history is any indication, this silence won’t last long. But for now, the quiet is a refreshing change—and a reminder that, in the end, it’s the voters, not the stars, who decide the future of this country.
